Why do people have 21st birthday parties?

Answer 1

In the Polynesian and Pacific Island culture, turning 21 years old is a big achievement. When a child turns of age, they are given a symbolic 21st key. Which symbolises the child is coming of age. At this time, a parent will not be restricting their child to come home at a certain time and they are now free to go about and do as they please.

For parents whose child have reached the age of 21 without having children or have a partner, parents take pride and celebrate their child's 21st birthday with a great big feast, inviting their extended families and friends and to join them in celebrating this special occasion. It becomes quite festive and could take 4 hours for the ceremony.

Many bring gifts and money for the 21 year old and this will help them in moving on with their life, it could be moving into a new flat, studies or find that special person.

The main gift for the celebration is the presentation of a 21st key. Beautiful generic keys can be bought however, more are moving towards customised fully hand carved keys which tells the story of the child and his family background. The hand carved key is a work of art created from natural wood. When the celebrated day is over, the key is then hung and the 21 year old carries the key for the rest of his life as a remembrance of this special occasion. At times the key remains at the parent's household and becomes a treasured work of art.

Tribal Designz creates these customised keys and sends it all over the world. These customised 21st birthday keys are truely a work of art.