<P> A sweet sixteen is a coming of age party celebrating a teenager's 16th birthday . Similar celebrations are found in different cultures around the world, such as the quinceañera in hispanic countries and the festa de debutantes in Brazil, both at 15 years of age . Much like a wedding, this event can be formal, casual, or semi-formal . </P> <P> Although it is common that sweet sixteens are mostly celebrated by girls, they can also be celebrated by boys . Sweet sixteens can range from modest parties at home with close family to large affairs with a hired DJ, makeup, hair styling, expensive gowns and dresses, and hotel ballrooms . Even if it is a small party, the main purpose of the party is to celebrate the person becoming "older" and entering a different stage of their life . </P> <P> In countries such as Australia and New Zealand, the 16th birthday is eclipsed by a teenager's 18th birthday celebration, the age at which young people are legally allowed to vote, marry, and consume alcohol . </P>

Where does the term sweet 16 come from