15+1
“16” is a meaningful number for the teenagers of Tainan city. Those who are turning 16 have to attend the “Tainan Coming-of-age Ceremony” It is a very important traditional custom in Tainan. From teenagers’ point of view, it’s maybe more important than Chinese New Year, but the problem is people have lost interest and patience for the old customs, and furthermore, some of the customs may will be forgotten and disappear forever.
Julia is always very interested in all the traditional customs, so she has been looking forward to attending the “Coming-of-age Ceremony” when she was turning 16. She was very excited when she learned from the newspaper that the city’s mayor was planning to host the ceremony for the teenagers, so she couldn’t wait to announce this good news to her classmates.
“Good morning, everyone,” Julia announced while she ran into the classroom energetically.
“Our big day is coming. The city’s mayor plans to host the Coming-of-age Ceremony this year for us. Is there anyone wants to join the ceremony with me?” Julia asked, but sadly no one answered.
“Alice, are you interesting in attending the coming-of-age ceremony?” Julia didn’t give up of asking people. “Ben, will you go to the coming-of-age ceremony?” She kept asking the same question to everyone in class. “Vicky, how about you?” Still, she got no answer but only silence.