The Significance of the 21st Birthday

Many people in the United States hold their 21st birthday in very high regard. Turning 21 means that a person is an adult, at least in the United States. They can buy liquor, drink legally, and are socially considered to be no longer dependent on their parents. Therefore, the 21st birthday is one that many teenagers look forward to, and many celebrate thoroughly.

The biggest significance of the 21st birthday is that it is the moment where someone turns into an adult. Although the legal adult age in the United States is 18, the drinking age is 21, which many people equate with becoming and adult. There are many bars, casinos, and other venues that don't allow people into them until they are that age. The last things that are "off limits" to underage people become available on your first day as a 21 year old. T

The biggest reason that the 21st birthday is so significant in the United States is that this is the age where it is legal to drink and to purchase alcohol. Even if people don't drink often, or don't like to drink, they aren't allowed to go into establishments like bars, casinos, and clubs where drinking occurs, until they are 21. This means that a person can officially go into any establishment, even those that sell adult items, when they turn 21.

This leads to an idea that becoming 21 is actually becoming an adult, although people may get married, join the army, smoke, and purchase adult magazines when they turn 18. Also, the age of 21 is widely considered to be the age where you are no longer dependent on your parents. Many insurance companies won't cover you after age of 21 unless you are in school. This is also the age where teenagers are considered to be young adults, and are expected to have more responsibility.

Because for many people the significance in turning 21 is that they are of legal drinking age, many choose to go out to bars, clubs, casinos, or other venues for their 21st birthday. Some people who don't drink even want to go to these places once they turn 21 because they have never been allowed in those places before, and want to be able to experience them.

For someone who enjoys a drink now and then, and who enjoys being out in a crowd, going to those previously off limits places is a way to celebrate. For a homebody who doesn't like the crowd or club scene, a 21st birthday might be no different from any other, and should be celebrated in the way that they would most enjoy.

As long as you know a 21 year old would enjoy going out to celebrate, by all means plan that exciting night out on the town. However, keep in mind that some people don't enjoy drinking, even once they are legal to do so. Therefore, plan a 21st birthday party around what you know the person would enjoy. Also, keep in mind that a 21 year old might have several friends who are younger than 21.

Therefore, the best type of party would be one that starts or ends somewhere everyone can enjoy it, like a house party. As the evening rolls on, those who are off age can take the newly 21 year old out to the bar for a celebratory drink, and they can return to the party where the others can also enjoy the birthday. Remember in this situation that it is illegal to serve alcohol to anyone under 21, so for a house party with mixed-age guests, be sure to provide alternate refreshments.

Many friends consider taking someone out for their 21st birthday and buying their drinks to be a worthwhile gift. You might want to celebrate the occasion by buying the birthday boy his own set of beer mugs, or the birthday girl her own shot glasses. The typical birthday gifts for a young adult still suffice for the 21st birthday, as well.