Quinceañera – Transitioning into Womanhood
Quinceañera – Transitioning into Womanhood
The tradition of “quinceaños” is said to have origins in Mexico dating back as far as the Aztec and Myans. In those years, girls were taught about domestic duties and childbearing by their elders in preparation to become wives. Oftentimes, the father of the quinceañera would present her to potential husbands. This ceremony would also be attended by the godparents, grandparents, parents as well as other family and members of the community.
The Modern Day Quinceañera
Today, in many countries through out the Americas and the Caribbean it is customary for a 15 year old girl to have a quinceañera or 15th birthday party. While, quince de anos celebrations appear to be just lavish birthday parties, they also have significance to the girl’s heritage, culture and spirituality. The birthday girl is known as “quinceañera”. This birthday milestone is a right of passage to mark her transition from childhood to young womanhood. At this age, she is considered to be mature and ready to assume the responsibilities of an adult.
Many cultures have similar celebrations. In the US we have Sweet 16’s. People of the Jewish faith have Mitzvahs and in Brazil the festa de quinze anos. In French Guiana, it is referred to as the fête des quinze ans. These oftentimes extravagant and grand parties can be compared to British and US debutante balls. Quinceañera celebrations are somewhat different as they are rich with tradition, cultural ties and ceremonial practices.
Quinceañera Preparation
The cost of holding a Quinceañera can end up being a lot for many families and it is not uncommon for extended family, friends and a family know as “madrinas” or “padrinos” to monitarily contribute to this memorable event.
Planning the Quinceañera includes two parts with a Mass or religious ceremony and a reception or party. Both parts require the same amount of time, effort and proper planning. The planning process can be compared to putting together a wedding. The checklist must include a theme, gown, limousine, venue, catering, decorations, flowers, cake, music and photography. Not to mention, the Quinceañera’s hair, makeup, manicure and other pampering.
Court of Honor
It is with tradition that the Quinceañera choose special friends to participate. This group is called the tribunal de honor or “Court of Honor”. The court of honor usually consist of 7 couples – 7 males known as “chambelánes” and 7 females or “Damas”, but the can be fewer or more. These participants help with preparation of the event and also take part in some of the quinceañera ceremonial practices and dances.
Ceremonial Practices
There are numerous Quinceañera ceremonial practices that are often included in the quince de años celebration today. Many are deep rooted in meaningful cultural and spiritual significance. Below are a few of the most commonly celebrated today.
Bible|Prayer Book|Rosary Beads
The gifting of these items symbolizes that the Quinceañera will carry her faith and belief in God into her adult life.
Kneeling Pillow
The kneeling pillow is used to kneel on during the presentation of gifts such as the rosary beads, earrings, bracelet and others.
Heeled Shoes
Heeled shoes are placed on the Quiceañera to symbolize that she has transitioned into womanhood.
The last doll
The birthday girl is presented with “la última muñeca” or what is to be her last doll. This represents the point where she will be too old to play with dolls herself. She is then to pass the doll on to a younger her sister or other family member.
The First Bouquet of Flowers
The quinceañera is presented with “el primer ramo de flores” or her first bouquet of flowers. This symbolically represents the birthday girl’s first bouquet of flowers as a young woman.
Tiara
Tiaras are often given during a crowning ceremony to show that she is a princess in not only the eyes of her family and friends, but most importantly in the eyes of God.
Scepter
Much like the Tiara, the gifting of a scepter is a symbol that represents authority, power and royalty that is to come as the girl moves into womanhood.
Ring & Bracelet
The gifting of these items are to symbolize the ever-present on ongoing love of God in the young woman’s life. This love is she to receive throughout her lifetime.
Earrings
Earrings are given to the birthday girl as a symbol that she must always listen to the word of God. These along with the ring and bracelet are sometime blessed prior to gifting.
Fifteen piñatas
This is a really fun one where the Quinceañera breaks 15 piñatas in honor of her 15 years of life.
Quinceañera Mass
The quinceañera mass is also known as “church Misa de Accion de Gracias” or the thanksgiving mass. This ceremony is given to show thanks to God for the girl’s transitioning into young womanhood. In most cases it is very intimate with only the parents, godparents and immediate family in attendance. Some churches even require girls to attend classes to prepare for the ceremony.
Quinceañera Reception
The climax to the day’s events is usually held with a dinner party or reception. The first dance is traditionally reserved for the birthday girl and her father. This is usually followed by a Waltz-type dance performed by the quinceañera and her court of honor. Other dances many include the “baile sopresa” or a surprise dance.
Special songs are also sang known as “las mañanitas” and toast known as “brindis” are presented for the quinceañera by family and friends. As you can see the day is celebrated in grand scale and may even require the help of a professional quinceañera planner to ensure that the day is just as she imagined it would be.
