The Japanese consider turning 60 to be an honor. They call it “The Kanreki” and view it as a rebirth. They believe when a person turns 60, they have gone through the Chinese zodiac cycle a total of five times and are now back at their original birth zodiac. The word “Kanreki” derives its meaning from the words kan (return) and reki (calendar). Simply put, turning 60 is viewed as your chance to start over again.
In India, Shashti Poorti is a Sanskrit word meaning completion of sixty. It’s also known as “Shashti Abda Poorti” or “Ugraratha Santi” (a Hindu ceremony celebrating the 60th birthday of a male, akin to the renewal of marital vows). The Hindus also believe that in your last stage of life, usually starting around age 60, you become a “forest dweller” who lives an ascetic life of sannyasin—one who neither hates nor loves anything.
In Korea, the 60th birthday is celebrated as “Hwan-gap.” Guests sit at a banquet table in order of age. Then, starting with the youngest, the children will bow to their elders and pour them wine. Traditionally, guests take part in activities to remind them of their youth, playing games, and dressing up in silly clothing. The celebration is often accompanied by music and singing, and dancing is encouraged. I’ve seen a few K-Pop videos of these celebrations, and they’re pretty crazy.
The fact is, 60 shows up everywhere—in the Bible, the Koran, and the kashrut of Judaism. It even has its own investigative magazine on TV—60 Minutes (not as cool as Hawaii 5-0, but it has much more longevity on the air). Lesley Stahl scored a K-O last night.
In this time of COVID, 60 has suddenly become the new 65. Yes, I get to go to the grocery store before all the young ones, which I think is as much a milestone as it is for 50-year old’s who receive their AARP card in the mail.
And, now, this Saturday, I will be celebrating my “Quinceanera por los cuatro” in Mexico (15 times 4). But, I won’t be dressed like a debutante, as is the custom for a traditional Quinceanera celebration. Still, I will do my part in crafting a new narrative for how to celebrate turning this iconic age. The more new narratives about age, the better.