Sweet sixteeen traditions
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Tags: young woman, birthday girl, woman 8217-s, young woman 8217-s, 16th birthday, birthday party, light candlesA young woman’-s sixteenth birthday has long symbolized the transition from girlhood to womanhood. In 1597, the term "-sweet sixteen"- was used to represent the 16th year, while the tradition of the sweet sixteen birthday party dates back to 17th century England. Today, there are many sweet sixteen birthday traditions that mark the celebration of young women becoming productive members of society.
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Parties and Receptions
Sweet sixteen traditions are passed down through generations and families. For example, families in Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Central and South America celebrate a young woman’-s 16th birthday with a custom known as a Quincenera. The Quincenera is a religious ceremony followed by a reception. In other parts of the world, the 16th birthday is celebrated with a sweet sixteen birthday party, held in the home or a banquet hall. Food, music and dancing are a traditional part of these parties and receptions.
Ceremonies
Some sweet sixteen parties include traditional ceremonies that symbolize the young lady’-s transition into womanhood. Typical ceremonies include a shoe and tiara ceremony. The shoe ceremony is a tradition in which the young woman arrives to her 16th birthday party wearing a pair of flat shoes. Later in the party, a significant figure such as a mother or father presents her with a pair of high heel shoes on a decorative pillow. The changing of the shoes represents the transition into womanhood. The shoe ceremony is often coupled with the presentation of a tiara, offered to the birthday girl on a separate decorative pillow to wear during the party, and to keep as a memento afterward.
Father-Daughter Dance
Just as it is a tradition for a woman to dance with her father at her wedding, the father-daughter dance is also a sweet sixteen tradition. This is typically done at birthday parties that take place in more formal, reception and banquet halls. The parents typically pick a special song that has meaning for the family or a story attached to it. The mother will introduce the father and birthday girl to the dance floor and also tell any stories or anecdotes attached to the song.
Candle Lighting
A candle-lighting ceremony is another tradition associated with the sweet sixteen birthdays. Sixteen tea light candles are placed on a table in decorative votive cups. Using a larger candle, the birthday girl will light the first two candles. The first candle is meant to represent the young woman’-s parents, while the second candle represents grandparents or siblings. From there, the large candle is handed off to remaining family and family friends to light candles three through six. Special friends light candles seven through 14, while the young woman’-s best friend lights candle 15. The sixteenth is reserved for a boyfriend or significant male friend. As each honoree lights the candles, they can tell a story about the birthday girl or explain how she is special in their life.
Source: www.ehow.com
