Jhulian Temple is the only place in northern Taiwan that holds a coming of age ceremony for 16-year-olds. This year is no exception.
The ceremony was held on Tuesday, the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, which happens to be Chinese Valentine’s Day. The day was chosen because it is the birthday of the deity enshrined in the temple.
In line with tradition, 16-year-olds crawled through a “Coming of Age Pavilion” one by one. They also had their good luck charms removed from their neck as they turned 16, which symbolized that they are now mature enough to take care of themselves.
Jhulian Temple is over 200 years old. Every year, 16-year-olds get together to attend the ceremony that is designed especially for this transition to adulthood.
Two female students said the ceremony is a symbol of growing up. Another 16-year-old said turning 16 means being more responsible as family members no longer take care of everything for them.
The coming of age ceremony attracted about 1,000 participants. Hsinchu Deputy Mayor Shen Hui-hung says the ceremony helps preserve Taiwan’s traditional culture.