American Quinceanera Traditions
A Quinceanera is a tradition that celebrates a young woman’s passage into adulthood. The Quinceanera is traditionally celebrated on the girl’s 15th birthday with a huge party. Although this is generally a Latin American tradition, since the 20th century the Quinceanera celebration has been celebrated in the American culture as well. This coming-of-age milestone still holds to its traditional rituals but with an air of American extravagance. Does this Spark an idea?
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Sweet Sixteen
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In the United States, a young girl’s coming-of-age party traditionally happens at age 16. Known as a “Sweet Sixteen,” an entire industry has risen around celebrating this particular birthday. Although a traditional Quinceanera party is held for the girl’s 15th birthday, many American-Latino families choose to celebrate it with the 16th birthday. One party was even featured on the MTV show “My Super Sweet Sixteen.”
Ceremony
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The ceremony for a Quinceanera usually consists of three parts: the Mass, the reception and the dance. According to Quinceanera.us, the Mass is the most important part of the celebration, as it during this event that the guest of honor transitions from a child to a woman. The reception is considered a gift from the parents to their daughter, but occasionally parents hosting American Quinceaneras will opt for the gift of a car instead.
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Clothing
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The traditional attire for a Quinceanera party is black-tie formal. Although this attire is still expected of the Quinceanera herself and her court, the guests are allowed to be a bit more casual. According to Quinceanera-Boutique.com, the traditional ensemble for the honoree at the party is a ball gown and tiara, while her court dresses in tuxedos and gowns that are similar to bridesmaid gowns. They can be as simple or as formal the honoree wants them to be. The dress is traditionally pastel colored, although American Quinceaneras often opt for white.
Symbolic Rituals
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In both Latino and American cultures, the father traditionally presents his daughter with a pair of high-heeled shoes to put on instead of her flats. This change symbolizes the transition from child to womanhood. In the last doll ceremony, the girl is presented with her last doll of childhood by her parents or god parents, and she passes it on to another young girl or sets it down to symbolize leaving childhood behind. These rituals can take place either during the Mass or at the reception, depending on the preference of the guest of honor.
The First Waltz
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According to Quinceanera.us, traditionally girls are not allowed to dance at public events before they reach the age of 15. Although this tradition does not hold true in the U.S., the Quinceanera’s first waltz is danced with her father or, if he’s not present, a close friend or family member. Although this is a traditional style of dance, more modern dance moves can be incorporated, depending on what the girl desires.
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References
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