A group of 16-year-olds serve tea to their parents during a coming-of-age ceremony in Xiamen on Aug 7. [Photo/taihainet.com]

When it comes to the Qixi Festival, or Chinese Valentine's Day, certain traditions usually spring to mind such as exchanging gifts and spending time with loved ones. However, in Xiamen in East China's Fujian province, different rituals are held on the day.

Southern Fujian people believe that Qixi takes place during the birthday of Qiniangma, patron saint of children, so coming-of-age ceremonies are held for 16-year-olds on the day in southern Fujian including in Xiamen.

This year, a grand coming-of-age ceremony was held in Xiamen's Shapowei on Aug 7. Some 56 teenagers wearing special costumes for Zhuangyuan -- the top scorer in ancient Chinese imperial examinations -- followed ancient rituals to celebrate the event.

A total of 56 teenagers follow ancient rituals to celebrate the event in Xiamen on Aug 7. [Photo/taihainet.com]

They walked across the Ping'an Bridge, an act which brings good fortune and safety and walked through the Qiniangma Pavilion to thank Qiniangma's 16-year-old guardian. Finally, they served tea to their parents in appreciation of their love and care.

"I feel that I have grown up and I can help my parents," said Lin Qi, 16, from Huaqiao Middle School, after the ceremony. According to Lin's father, he signed up for the activity in a bid to give his child a positive experience and a sense of responsibility.

According to the organizers of the event, among the participants five were from Taiwan, two were overseas Chinese and another three were Chinese Canadians. They learned about the event on the internet and signed up.