Quinceañera – A Hispanic Coming Of Age Celebration

Each culture has its own unique events, which are passed down from generation to generation. Young women in Spain celebrate their coming of age with a special celebration. Quinceanera, which is a religious celebration, takes months to prepare for.

It is more than a fiesta. The honoree also has to confirm her faith through a ceremonial element. Quinceanera refers to “the celebration a girl’s 15th Birthday, marking her transition from girlhood and womanhood.” The term is also used by the celebrant.

Quinceaneras’ origin is hard to trace. It is believed it was a prehistoric Aztec custom dating back to 500 B.C. The festivities were held only by the wealthy Latin Americans in earlier years. Latin Americans who were wealthy had the tradition of marrying promising young men at “debutante balls”. It gradually gained popularity, and soon became part of the culture of those in the middle and lower classes. They modified the original to reflect their traditions and ways of celebrating. According to one report, Quinces were already being celebrated in Latino communities by 1930. This celebration became the modern ceremony in the 1970s-80s. The ceremony was religious in nature, combining the Aztec rituals with the “debutante balls”.

Additionally, the church requires honorees and chosen members to attend religious education classes months in advance of the ceremony. This is because the original event was classified as a process in which young women were offered up to men promising their services. The Roman Catholic Church refused to participate in the event because it required that all teenage members understand the religious aspects. This was done to honor the young lady and not force her to please the men. Once that is done, the family can determine the date and time for the misa, or Mass, which will be held specifically for Quinceanera. It begins with the family and friends stepping in, followed closely by the sponsor padrinos and the remaining fourteen members of court. The honoree is then escorted by her honorary chambelan and/or her parents (Hill 146).

It is easy to see why a celebration this important and large requires so much planning. Because the cost of the items adds up quickly, some expenses are shared by the celebrant’s friends and family. The title padrinos is awarded to those who help or are willing to do so. Madrinas sponsor male padrinos. These sponsors are typically close relatives or family because they participate in such a significant event. They are there to help the young lady navigate the next stage of her life. The cost for the dress will be paid by the Baptism Fathers. Other items such as food, cakes, shoes and jewelry can all have padrinos de honor assigned (Hill & Daniels 149). These are the people who have contributed significantly to the costs of the celebration. These people are usually listed on the invitations as well as the progress at the ceremony and reception. They are encouraged and expected to toast the start of a new chapter. There are items used at the fiesta.

Many items are used to symbolize many traditions that are part of Hispanic culture. As a reminder of God’s Words, the quinceanera is given the Bible. To help grow their faith, they also receive a book with prayers. To complete the package, they receive a rosary. This rosary has been accepted by the Church as a tool to pray and was given to us (DaVinci). par. 7). The quinceanera receives small gifts with great symbolism and meaning all day.

A quinceanera was an exciting event for girls as young as they were. Although they didn’t understand the traditional and religious aspects back then, they still wanted to be “princess” in big, beautiful dresses. A scepter, an item of power that is usually used by royalty, is a common symbol of their power. The cumpleanera, a cunce, receives this item to symbolize the power they gain in the religious communities. It may also symbolise the obligation to take part in important events and rituals in the Church. This is a symbol of power and responsibility, and it is definitely not the last.

A padrinos can also provide cojines. They are slightly less important. These tiny pillows can be used for the placement of the tiaras and heels as well a scepter. A cojin may be needed for mass when you need to kneel. These can be bought as a set or handmade. The reception after the ceremony is traditional and contains many pieces.

Although the reception and ceremony are both memorable, it is also a family event that will be remembered for many generations. Many families prefer to capture the day in pictures. Because everyone is different, Quinceaneras can be very unique. While some are smaller than others, they can be as expensive as a wedding. It can be held in a variety of locations, including at the home of the celebrant or at a public venue. The meaning and tradition of the adult transition, no matter how extravagant, will still be there, regardless of how extravagant the celebration. Modern technology gives families the opportunity to preserve this moment in time. The cost of professional photographers can be high, and often requires a padrino. After the ceremony is over, the honoree along with her court members take a ride in a vehicle of their choosing, most prefer a limousine, and travel to a location where they can take photographs. The photographer will take pictures of the court and also the quinceanera. The honoree and her family then take pictures. Guests can now mingle with their families and have a good time.

Recuerdos (small, remembrance gift) are distributed to family members before the event. They are usually given by a younger cousin. These could include small mirrors and candies, or religious items such as candies, candles, or candies. You can have the date and name of the cumpleanera engraved on them. These will be given to family members, court officials and padrinos. These tokens are meant to mark the occasion and to show appreciation to all who supported her during her life. The best part of the day comes after everyone has had an opportunity to greet one other.

No matter how supportive and traditional your family is, many will only attend for the food. You can expect the meal to consist of one or two things. For Hispanic celebrations, common dishes include tamales, pozole (a corn-and-meat stew), and pozole (a tamale). You can add rice or beans to your dish. Soft drinks and aguas Frescas are also options. A family member prepares the meal, typically the aunts and grandmas or aunts. However, catering makes the meal less stressful for the family. Tacos are a growing favorite food. They are simple and delicious. The spotlight is now back on the quinceanera, her family and the delicious meal.

The child must follow her parents’ and the Baptism Padrinos religious instructions when she is Baptized. The child is then placed before God ceremonially. She should have asked her parents and padrinos to renew her vows during her Quinceanera. She is now able to make her own faith decisions. Her parents will be there for her if she needs them. To commemorate her, she wears a beaded or flower-adorned headpiece to mass. Later, an honoree’s family member makes the switch to a traditional tiara. It is a sign that she is viewed as a princess by God. In remembrance her childhood, the lady must act and behave like one.

There comes a time when toys are deemed inappropriate for children. This is acknowledged and accepted during the celebration. Her parents give the Quinceanera a Last Doll’. It’s most likely that she received the first doll from her parents.

Author

  • jacobcunningham

    Jacob Cunningham is a 26-year-old education blogger and teacher who resides in the Pacific Northwest. Jacob's teaching and writing focus on the use of technology in the classroom, and he is a frequent presenter at education conferences around the country. Jacob's work has been featured on sites such as The Huffington Post, Edutopia, and TechCrunch.

jacobcunningham

jacobcunningham

Jacob Cunningham is a 26-year-old education blogger and teacher who resides in the Pacific Northwest. Jacob's teaching and writing focus on the use of technology in the classroom, and he is a frequent presenter at education conferences around the country. Jacob's work has been featured on sites such as The Huffington Post, Edutopia, and TechCrunch.