Through the years, young adults have been accustomed to celebrating their 18th or 19th birthday as a major milestone, where they can have the full freedom to vote, enlist, and receive educational loans – until recently, a new benchmark has emerged in Canada. The 21 or 21\+ age limit is a celebration of adulthood for youths reaching the age of 21.
What is 21 or 21+?
The trend of 21 or 21\+ is a relatively new celebration in Canada, where individuals turning 21 or 21\+ are traditionally engaged in a more formal means of celebrating becoming an adult. This celebration often involves fancy dinner parties, engagements with high-end clubs, or luxury vacations with friends and family.
Unlike the earlier legal marks, like the age of majority, which emphasizes independence from guardianship, the 21 or 21+ celebration puts more importance on marking off your young adulthood in style. It doesn’t change any rights or privileges from before you reach this age. Still, it has become an emerging trend that emphasizes the desire to throw a grand bash and accept the new chapter of life.
Where did the idea of 21 or 21+ come from?
In North America, this idea may have been pulled from the U.S celebrations for the milestone, where people traditionally indulge in drinks and rowdy gathering or even road trips to destinations like Vegas.
Meanwhile, in Europe, it is a common practice to have formal events for such milestones or celebrate adulthood since many countries boast a lower age of majority. For instance, in Denmark, people typically have a formal gathering where they present the young adult with a key symbolizing their attainment of their familial independence.
Is there a traditional way to celebrate 21 or 21+?
Not necessarily. The beauty of this celebration is that the event, location, and individuals involved are unique to the celebrant’s preference. Some people prefer a more low-key celebration, like brunch or a weekend getaway with friends. Other individuals find it the perfect excuse to splurge on an extravagant trip or host a luxury dinner party. Essentially, this celebration is a symbolic representation of reaching adulthood, and the means of marking this milestone is tailored to fit the celebrant’s personality.
Does 21 or 21+ have any legal implications?
Not really. There’s no change in your rights or privileges once you reach 21 or 21+. It’s essential to recognize that this celebration is not binding on any legal responsibilities. However, should your birthday fall within the legal drinking age of your region, please be aware of strict laws and drinking responsibly.
When is the perfect time to celebrate 21 or 21+?
The celebration could fall on the individual’s actual birthday or a few days after, depending on their preference. Since most people have to cater to personal schedules, the ideal day is flexible. It’s best to plan for this event weeks ahead and reach out to family, friends, and even co-workers to ensure their availability.
What are some ways to celebrate 21 or 21+?
Given that individuals have different preferences and locations for celebrations, here are some ideas for celebrating your 21 or 21+ milestones:
1. A luxury vacation with close friends or family
2. Host a formal dinner party with all guests dressing in their fancy best
3. Take a road trip with a few friends to a nearby recreational center like Niagara falls
4. Book a luxury suite at a high-end hotel and spend the day in the hot tub
5. Gift yourself that one item you have always wanted
6. For city dwellers, a rooftop party with personalized cocktails
7. A day of sober fun activities like hiking, movies, mini-golf, or swimming.
In Conclusion
Turning 21 or 21+ is an exciting milestone that deserves to be celebrated. The celebration often involves a traditional event where people take the opportunity to mark their entrance into young adulthood differently. Whether it’s an extravagant party with friends, taking a trip alone, or creating family memories, 21 or 21+ is an event that should reflect the celebrant’s personality. Remember, it doesn’t come with any legal implications, so make sure to enjoy planning and celebrating your special day safely and responsibly.