| Although birthdays come around each year there are | | | | teenager. |
| certain ages that are traditionally milestones in a | | | | Some religions celebrate the 13th birthday in a large |
| person's life. | | | | fashion because they believe it signifies the age in |
| These special birthdays are usually much anticipated | | | | which a child sheds childish ways and begins to take |
| and the gifts the birthday boy or girl receives are | | | | on some adult responsibilities. |
| more elaborate and enjoyed. Although, along with the | | | | When a teenager turns 16 they are legally allowed to |
| special gifts come special privileges and responsibilities. | | | | drive in most states in the US, without a parent |
| The build up comes early. A child's first birthday is | | | | present. This is usually an exciting time in their lives. |
| typically an important celebration. It often becomes | | | | On their 18th birthday, teenagers take another big |
| more than a birthday and more like an event for | | | | step and are afforded many adult privileges. At 18, |
| adults with extended family and friends attending. | | | | they are entitled to vote and join the military. The |
| First birthdays are usually messy. The birthday boy or | | | | 18th birthday is probably only second to the |
| girl is often given their own small cake or their own | | | | much-awaited 21st birthday. Twenty-one is the legal |
| piece of cake to eat. They make use of their little | | | | drinking age in the US. |
| hands to grab a hunk of cake and cram it into their | | | | Thirty-five is a pivotal age since most countries allow |
| mouths. The cake crumbles and their faces are | | | | citizens to run for the political office, including |
| covered in frosting. | | | | President. |
| Next on the list of monumental birthdates is the | | | | Beyond that, 40 is considered another big day, then |
| usually number 13. At this age a child is officially a | | | | every ten years after that. |