Quinceanera traditions & customs
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A Mexican girl's quinceanera is her 15th birthday. This milestone birthday calls for a coming of age celebration akin to both the American "sweet 16" in significance and the old-fashioned custom of the debutante ball. The quinceanera party is full of festivity and ritual, and is a significant event to which young girls look forward for years.
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Origin
The first quinceanera celebrations were observed by the Aztec people.
Quinceanera celebrations date back to 500 B.C. when the Aztecs presented their 15 year old daughters to the community as young ladies out of girlhood. At the age of 15, Aztec boys were training as warriors with their fathers, while their female counterparts learned the responsibilities and tasks of womanhood. This rite of passage was a true entry to adulthood for Aztec girls, and the significance attached to the celebration continues.
Attire
A frothy, feminine gown is traditional attire.
The quinceanera (the girl whose 15th birthday it is) wears a formal ballgown with a full skirt, often ruffled or tiered. Some gowns have optional sleeves but all have a modest fitted bodice. Pastel tones are traditional, with pink, lavender and pale blue being very popular, although white can be worn also. The quinceanera gown is reminiscent of a wedding dress in that its classical lines are princess-like. The girl's parents are attired formally in a suit and dress, and the padrinos (godparents) are dressed up in their very best as well.
Ritual
A Catholic church is the traditional setting for the celebratory Mass.
At the traditional Thanksgiving Mass, held in the family's church, a procession takes place. First down the aisle are the 14 damas--maids of honor. These young girls are family members and friends each representing a year in her life. They are each escorted by a suited chamberlain. Then the girl's mother and the head chamberlain (who is the honoree's date) proceed, followed by the quinceanera and her father. With the addition of priest and altar servers, these are the participants in the Mass, which includes a repetition of baptismal vows. Kneeling at the altar for the priest's blessing, the girl is welcomed into the church as an adult who has laid aside a prayer book and bouquet at the Virgin Mary's statuette to symbolize leaving childhood behind.
Party
Music is a lively part of the celebration.
A reception meal and dance follows the Mass, either at a fellowship hall or other venue. At this time, the quinceanera is presented to the community as a young lady. Music is an integral part of both the Aztec and Mexican traditions. Usually, live music will be performed by a band or instrumental ensemble and family and friends of all ages dance in celebration of the quinceanera.
Father-Daughter Dance
Father and daughter share a waltz at the party.
The most poignant tradition in the quinceanera festivities comes when the girl's father asks her to dance the waltz with him. This acknowledges that his daughter is no longer a little girl but a young woman. As they share the waltz, the father and daughter have difficulty holding back tears as her childhood is left behind.
Tags: 15th birthday, community young, Quinceanera traditions, Quinceanera traditions customs, share waltz, traditions customsSource: www.ehow.com
