臺灣文化「譯」起讀

Origin

The origin of the celebration for “sixteen-year-old adults” is related to the workers in the harbor of Tainan. In early times of Taiwan, there were many shops near the harbor of Tainan. The business was very good. The boss employed less-than-sixteen-year-old children to carry goods. But their salary was only half of the salary of adults. When these children were 16 years old, they got the same salary as adults. Their family was happy, so they invited friends and the boss to celebrate the birthday of the “sixteen-year-old adults.” They took the opportunity to announce that their children have grown up.

There is another story. In early times of Taiwan, the living environment is very poor, and children cannot grow up safely. Thus, parents often pray to Qiniangma (Goddess of children) to bless their children to grow up peacefully. If children are safe and can live to be sixteen years old, their parents take their children to the temple to thank Qiniangma. They prepare some offerings, such as chicken, glutinous rice, fragrant powder, perfume, flowers, a needle and thread, a mirror, and paper money. After the ceremony, dumpling and some foods are sent to relatives and friends. Thus, the friends and relatives can share happiness with the family of the “sixteen-year-old adults.”

Ceremony

People often hold a ceremony to celebrate “sixteen-year-old adults,” at the temple of Qiniangma. This temple was built in Tainan, in 1733. The sixteen-year-old adults need to crawl through under a sedan chair of Qiniangma, for three times. Also, the sixteen-year-old adults need to crawl through under the table of Qiniangma, for three times. This behavior shows their respect for gods. This behavior also means that the sixteen-year-old adults need to be humble.

Significance of Culture

The celebration can make the sixteen-year-old adults understand the responsibilities of an adult. After the ceremony, the children are regarded as adults. This ceremony shows that the sixteen-year-old adults need to take care of others. The sixteen-year-old adults need to watch their words and actions. In different cities, people use different ways to hold this ceremony. They have different traditions. However, the main purpose of this ceremony is the same; the sixteen-year-old adults need to thank gods and parents.