Why is 21st birthday important

[devilwater]

I saw a whole category of bday cards dedicated to the 21st. Does this partcular age signify anything?

[froggequene]

21 was the age once upon a time when a person was officially considered an adult and they received the key to the door to signify that fact. Legally I think you'll find there are some things you still can't do until you turn 21 such run for MP.

[andy hughes]

The reason for the conference of 'adult' status at the age of 21 was linked to the age at which an individual could vote - which was 21, before it was reduced to 18. The 'key of the door' was a tradition denoting that the 'child' was now old enough to come and go as they pleased.

[Hamish]

I think you have to be 23 to stand as an MP in the UK .....(?)

[Sky]

i've had a key since i was 11