Quinceanera

From LoveToKnow Party

The quinceañera, a tradition among many Latin-American cultures, celebrates a young woman's fifteenth birthday.

Elements of a Quinceañera

A quinceañera, also called Quince Años or Quinces, is part religious ceremony and part coming-out party. In its earliest incarnations, the quinceañera was a sign that a young lady was ready for marriage. In modern times, it symbolizes her journey to adulthood. While the details vary from culture to culture and can also change to accommodate family preferences, a quinceañera typically includes many of the following elements.

Religious Ceremony

If the guest of honor is Catholic, the day begins with a Mass of Thanksgiving. The quinceañera is not an official sacrament of the Catholic Church, but it is a recognized celebration, typically including a renewal of baptismal vows. Other religions may also accommodate the event with a special service. If you are planning a quinceañera, you should talk with your local clergy to discuss your options.

Symbols

The guest of honor may be presented with several objects symbolizing her coming-of-age. In some traditions, friends and family members sponsor these items as a fifteenth birthday gift. These sponsors, also called godparents or padrinos, will then take part in the ceremony, presenting their gifts to the girl.

Tiara - The tiara symbolizes that she is a princess in God's eyes. It can also represent the achievement of leaving childhood and the strength to face upcoming challenges. The young woman may start the day wearing a simpler headpiece, and then replace it with the tiara.
Scepter - The scepter symbolizes her new responsibilities, but also her new power as a woman.
Bracelet and/or ring - These circular pieces of jewelry are meant to represent the circle of life.
Earrings - In a religious sense, the earrings remind the girl to listen to God's word. They can also be considered a reminder to listen to the world around her.
High heels - The young woman begins the day wearing flats and changes into fancy high-heeled shoes as a sign of her new maturity.
Cross - The cross serves as a symbol of the girl's faith.
Rosary, Bible, and/or prayer book - These resources are meant to encourage a young girl's continued religious growth.
The last doll - The birthday girl is presented with a fine porcelain doll in a dress similar to her own. It is meant to be the last doll she ever receives, because she is leaving such childish things behind.

Court

During the religious ceremony and reception, the young woman is accompanied by a court of close friends and family members. The female members of the court are called damas and the male members of the court are chambelanes. She will also select a chambelán de honor to be her personal escort. There may be as many as 15 couples, one to represent each year, but many quinceañeras feature a smaller court. Very small girls may be included in the court to sprinkle flowers in front of the guest of honor, just like a flowergirl at a wedding.

Reception

Some receptions rival bridal receptions, with catering, a live band, and extensive decorations, while others are smaller celebrations. The music and dancing will often reflect the girl's culture, although mariachi numbers tend to coexist next to the latest pop hits to get everybody on the dance floor. The mood is festive, and the party may go on for hours after the ceremonial aspects have been completed. The birthday girl usually offers a small gift to her guests to commemorate the occasion.