My partner has just celebrated his 60th birthday - I actually can't believe I am sharing life with someone THAT old! He seems much younger.
Many Japanese people asked me if I was going to give him a red jacket or a hat? No - nothing like this...instead I gave him a camping car holiday in Honshu and a good dinner.
The connection between 60 years old and red in Japan comes from the idea of "reborn", because 60 represents 5 times round the Chinese zodiac cycle. Other important birthdays in Japan are 3, 5 and 7 for kids. Adults also celebrate 77, 88 and 99 - because of word play on the kanji.
In England we celebrate certain birthdays which mark life stages.
18 or 21 as the transition from child to adult. Usually young people who go to university celebrate at 21, because it coincides with your last year of education.
50 years old - because you have reached the half century.
65 years old - because it may be the retirement age.
Older adults celebrate at different times - 80 or 90 - depending on their health and family.
If your reach 100 years old you can also get a signed congratulations message from the Queen! Your family must apply to the Royal Family website 3 weeks before the birthday and you will receive a special card from the Post Office, with a message and the Queen's signature...I guess a copy...I don't think she signs every card!
When is your birthday and how will you celebrate it?
Many Japanese people asked me if I was going to give him a red jacket or a hat? No - nothing like this...instead I gave him a camping car holiday in Honshu and a good dinner.
The connection between 60 years old and red in Japan comes from the idea of "reborn", because 60 represents 5 times round the Chinese zodiac cycle. Other important birthdays in Japan are 3, 5 and 7 for kids. Adults also celebrate 77, 88 and 99 - because of word play on the kanji.
In England we celebrate certain birthdays which mark life stages.
18 or 21 as the transition from child to adult. Usually young people who go to university celebrate at 21, because it coincides with your last year of education.
50 years old - because you have reached the half century.
65 years old - because it may be the retirement age.
Older adults celebrate at different times - 80 or 90 - depending on their health and family.
If your reach 100 years old you can also get a signed congratulations message from the Queen! Your family must apply to the Royal Family website 3 weeks before the birthday and you will receive a special card from the Post Office, with a message and the Queen's signature...I guess a copy...I don't think she signs every card!
When is your birthday and how will you celebrate it?
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