'Coming of Age' Really So Important?

First off - sorry for not writing in a while. I wish I could boast and say that its due to the immense amounts of work I have been doing on my dissertation...no, more like I've very much gotten into the Christmas spirit of doing little - asides from using the Radio Times Christmas issue to plan my days around.

Anyway. As Christmas gets closer, as like every year (not surprisingly), as does my birthday. Having a birthday 3 days after Christmas and 3 days before New Years (the 28th for those of you who can't figure that one out) is possibly THEE WORST day to have a birthday. Thanks mum and dad. Couldn't keep it in your pants a couple weeks longer, no?

Friends are all over the place. Going home, seeing family, eating the mounds of chocolate they got from old relatives on Christmas. Everyone is psyching themselves up and saving up for the ever over-rated New Years.

All this aside, I come to my point. I'm turning 21. I've heard its pretty much a big deal. But I'm not really sure why. So far the only difference I've noticed is that people want to get me more expensive presents. Maybe I shouldn't question it...

Now I don't live in America...anymore...unfortunately. So is there really much that I can't do now that I will be able to do a week from tomorrow?? This is the pitiful list I managed to muster:
- Car insurance may become cheaper (with some companies)
- I can drive a lorry and other big vehicles
- Teach people to drive
- Run for local election
- Get hold of any money dead relatives have left you on the condition of getting the pay out once you're 21
- Rent a car (but still pay more until you're 25)
- Drink if you go on holiday to America
- I can drink at the very few bars or clubs in the UK that only let in people aged 21
- In my case, I will graduate at 21
I feel this list is grabbing at straws.

Historically, you would no longer be the legal obligation of your parents (unless you were female and married before 21, in which case you would be the legal issue of the said man). It USED to be the age you could vote. I guess its kinda the age when if you announce you are having a baby or a wedding, its largely socially acceptable now. Big whopty do.

Try googling why its important. Seriously. It's apparently the only question that even Google doesn't have the answer to. The only relatively informative piece of information I could find on the internet said that historically (and I'm talking proper Dark Ages) the 1st birthday was so important as most children didn't make it there. Thus the twenty-ONE rather than just twenty. 'Coming of age' also used to be the age of 12, when a man was considered old enough to marry and have children (creepy). This age was chosen also, as 12 was pretty much middle age, with most people in the world not living longer than 30. As such the 'coming of age' number rose and rose as life expectancy grew.

Based on this logic I'm assuming it froze at 21 some time ago, as if it's considered middle-aged I am officially depressed.

Ultimately - we don't really know why we make such a big deal out of turning 21. Or why we are now seen to be a whole load more responsible. If I've been able to legally have sex for the past 5 years - with either sex. Drive for 4 years and drink for 3, as well as having been at uni for 3 and a half years whats the biggy?

That said, now that you all know when my birthday is and that it IS in fact the big 2-1, all gifts are warmly welcomed.