When a Latina reaches her 15th birthday, Quinceanera, a female r ite of passage is celebrated. On her special day, parents present their daughter to society, in a sacred manner, such as the bat mitzvah for Jewish girls.
Central and South America, Mexico, Puerto Rico and other Spanish speaking countries have recognized Quinceanera since ancient Azteca, 500 B.C. It is now a tradition of Latinas living in the United States.
Preparation for Quinceanera
Preparations are begun about a year prior to the grand event. The church and banquet hall must be reserved, priest engaged, rehearsals planned, court members decided upon, guest list prepared, guests invited and a theme chosen. The menu must be planned, musicians engaged and a party planner hired.
Parents, Godparents and a few special family members assume responsibility for the cost of Quinceanera. The event is similar to a wedding without the groom! A most interesting fact is that the Quinceanera’s special formal gown is as expensive as a bridal gown.
What does Quinceanera Signify?
The definition of Quinceanera is “quince” meaning fifteen and “anera” meaning year. The 15th year is the most anticipated and happiest birthday for young ladies in a culture, which celebrates this tradition.
After ‘coming out’ before society, the young lady is eligible for marriage, employment and is expected to assume more responsibility both at home and in the community. Traditionally it is a spiritual ceremony, complete with high mass.
QuinceaneraHigh Mass
During High Mass, the young lady renews holy vows made on her behalf by her parents at baptism. The priest blesses the special gifts, including her bible and rosary. The community ‘accepts her’ by their applause. The young lady’s parents say a gratitude reading, followed by all participants joining at Mary’s altar to take communion. Final readings and blessings are performed and the Quinceanera gives her prayer of dedication.
Much is dictated by protocol during the ritual of Quinceanera. A mariachi band serenades the young lady the night before the ceremony. Fourteen couples, selected from her friends and family, make up her ‘court.
The entire court, including parents and Godparents honor the birthday girl, now a young lady, by lighting candles to dedicate her rite of passage. Following the presentation, the young woman and her proud father dance the first dance. The dance, a traditional waltz, is symbolic that “daddy’s little girl” is now a young lady.
Symbolism
Beautiful symbolism is evidenced throughout the beautiful ceremony. For example, her mother places a tiara on her daughter’s head. Also, the mother presents a ring or bracelet to symbolize the never-ending circle of life.
The father exchanges his daughter’s flats for exquisite high heeled shoes. The Quinceanera will then present her ‘lucky charm‘ (generally her little sister) with her porcelain doll. This symbolizes the Quinceanera is relinquishing her little girl toys, in order to prepare for womanhood.
Female Rite of Passage: Quinceanera
The artsy movie “Quinceanera” prompted me to research and better understand the Latina female’s rite of passage.
In the movie, the young lady came from poor parents and was forced to wear a castoff dress belonging to her cousin. She also had to relinquish her long held dream of a Hummer limo. The father was humbled at having to accept ‘charity’ from more affluent relatives for his daughter’s rite of passage.
While the custom and ceremony was tearfully beautiful, it gave me deep pause to realize that even rites of passage have become a big-time business in modern society.
