Coming of Age in Japan

　　日本“成人之礼”

　　In Japan , young people come of age when they are 20. This event is celebrated in most areas of Japan with a special ceremony, called Sejin no Hi or Coming of Age. On this important day in January , young people who are from the same area and were all in the same school year , go together to their local town hall , where the ceremony is held.

　　在日本，年轻人年满20岁，他们就是成年人了。在日本的绝大部分地区，这个时间都以一个叫做“成年节”的特殊的仪式来庆祝。在1月这个重要的一天中，来自同一个地区和同一个年级的年轻人相聚在举行这个仪式的当地市政厅。

　　The day often starts early for the girls, because they have to dress up for the ceremony. They wear a traditional Japanese dress ( or kimono ). These are extremely expensive, so most girls have to hire or borrow one. Because the dress is very difficult to put on, some girls go to a special place where other women help them. They sometimes spend up to three hours getting dressed and doing their hair and make-up. Most boys wear suits, but some wear a traditional Japanese kimono for men.

　　一般情况下，这一天先从女孩开始，因为女孩们需要为了这个仪式打扮一番。她们会穿一个传统的日本服饰（和服）。和服价格很昂贵，所以很多女孩不得不租用或者借一个穿。因为和服不是很容易穿上，一些女孩需要去一个特别的地方让其他女人来帮助她们。她们有时候要花长达三个小时穿衣服，做发型和化妆。大多数男孩会穿西服，但是有些男孩也会穿男式的和服。

　　When they are ready , the young people are photographed with their families. All the girls and boys then go to the local town hall or government office, where more photos are taken. In the hall, they listen to long speeches and sometimes sing songs. They are then given a special certificate or present from the local government. The boys and girls, now men and women, then go outside, where many more photos are taken. Finally , they leave and go out to celebrate together.

　　当他们都准备好了，年轻人会和家里人一起合照。然后所有的男孩女孩会一起去市政厅或者政府办公室，在那会照更多的照片。在市政厅，会安排他们听演讲，有时候会唱歌。之后他们会收到当地政府颁发的特殊的证书或者礼物。男孩和女孩，现在已经是男人和女人了，会出去照更多的照片。最后，他们一起离开去庆祝。

　　来源：MSE指定教材 English In Mind (student's book 2)

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