Not all birthdates are created equal. Some birthdays are what are referred to as 'milestones', being recognised markers, which state that you have come of age.

Milestones are occasions when those near and dear are invited to the celebration of having reached an important period in life. Milestones for the very young range from ages 13 through 16, 18 and 21.

Cards offered to commemorate these milestones usually have messages that are focused on the future and often provide advice because they are typically given by someone who is older.

Later milestones are ages 30, 40, 50 and 60. Of all the milestone birthdays, 30 is the most challenging age. Age jokes at 30 are quite popular.

It has become very commonplace in Jamaican women today to throw the biggest party of all when they turn 50, inviting friends from all over the world to share their special achievement with them.

Florida-based banker Michelle Richards-Phillips celebrated the big 5-0 this year in all-white affair that was attended by her Jamaicans friends and family from all over the world. It was an occasion to remember.

"Fifty especially is a milestone people want to celebrate and commemorate," says Hallmark writer Suzanne Berry. "People look at 50 as a time when they're entering their prime. It's a time to give back or to pursue a dream, and those thoughts appear in the messages on some of our cards."

Researchers note that the 1st birthday is the very first milestone birthday and a time for mom and dad to reflect and be proud of their accomplishment and their parenthood.

The 16th birthday is another milestone birthday, as it gives parents and children a day to reflect on childhood and look towards adulthood. For girls especially, its time for the time for Sweet 16 parties and coming out.

The 21st birthday is also an important milestone birthday for men and women alike. It celebrates the official entrance from young adulthood into full-fledged adulthood, as this is the legal age that a person must be to purchase alcoholic beverages.

The 30th birthday is another important milestone birthday, but it is usually a bit tougher than other birthdays. At 30, people are beginning to think about their age a bit more and fearing what the future. Fortieth birthdays are hopefully more relaxed. At this time, a person can really look towards the future and things like retirement and impending free time.

Information sources: www.hallmark.com and www.birthdaysabout.com