Who here has been bar/bat mitzvahed?

[BurtWorm]

I have not been, but I went to one this weekend. It was a lot of fun! Is there anything comprable for other religions? Do people throw parties for confirmations and catechisms?

[eyesroll]

1. My mom gave me a choice:

Bat mitzvah or girl scouts. (My family takes its religion very seriously, apparently.)

I can't speak a word of Hebrew that isn't from rote, but I can make a mean model campfire out of tootsie rolls, gumdrops, pretzels, coconut and candy corn.

I grew up in an area where everyone felt the need to keep up with the Joneses, and throw their kids bigger and better bar mitzvahs. It has been my experience that baptisms, confirmations, first communions, etc. in other religions are generally celebrated in a more low-key fashion. (At least in my area.)

[Kamika]

2. lol

thats pretty funny

[scarlet_owl]

3. Not low key in my family

Baptisms and confirmations get huge, lively parties. Everyone is invited, even second and third cousins. Lots of barbecue and beer. Weddings are very similar, in fact, my husband and I didn't have a reception, we just had a family party. How far did you go in Girl Scouts? I was a Brownie for two weeks.

[BurtWorm]

4. The status symbol thing is troublesome

One 50-something guest was saying he remembered his mother asking him which one friend did he want to invite!

[DuctapeFatwa]

5. bar/bat mitzvahs, weddings, baptisms, quinceaneras, engagements

one year parties, promise ceremonies, even funerals and 40 -days have turned into a thriving industry, involving caterers, decorators, musicians, florists, photog/videographers, you name it!

It would be interesting to see just what % of credit card debt is comprised of expenses for festivities associated with things that originated as religious ceremonies :)