Mexican Traditions for Girls Turning 15
Throughout Mexico, Latin America and parts of the United States, a girl's fifteenth birthday is her quinceanera, an elaborate coming-of-age celebration with roots in both Aztec and Spanish culture. A quinceanera is at once a declaration of womanhood, a religious ceremony, a family milestone and a big teen party. Quinceaneras are rich with tradition, but each girl puts a her own spin on the big day.
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History
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Before the Spanish conquistadors arrived in Mexico, Aztec and Mayan cultures staged elaborate rite-of-passage ceremonies for both boys and girls, because at 15, men were warriors and women were ready for marriage. The Spanish may have recognized these traditions: Pre-Christian peoples living in Spain celebrated the ancient Mozarabic Rite, a coming-of-age ceremony that the Catholic church adapted for baptizing teens. The conquistadors may have encouraged a Christianized version of the Aztec and Mayan ceremonies.
Court of Honor
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For her quinceanera, a girl traditionally chooses seven girls, or damas, and seven boys, called chambelanes, to be in her court of honor. She also chooses a head chambelane---either a male friend or close friend of the family---to be her own escort, for a total of 15 people. The court of honor trails the girl down the aisle when she is presented at the altar for a special mass celebrated in her honor. The court is also introduced to the crowd at the reception, after the quinceanera makes her grand entrance.
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Dress and Shoes
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A quinceanera's dress is an important part of her big day since it is the outfit she wears when she is introduced to the world as a woman. Traditional quinceanera dresses are white or pale pink ball gowns of satin and lace; they look very similar to wedding dresses but do not have a train. A quinceanera begins the day wearing flats; later, her father presents her with high heels in recognition of newfound adulthood.
Gifts
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Particularly in Mexico, quinceaneras are given symbolic gifts by either their parents or godparents. A tiara represents closeness with God; earrings are a reminder to listen to God; a ring represents continuity in life, and is often presented to a girl by her mother; a cross and bible may be given to the birthday girl by a priest.
Quinceanera Events
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Though quinceaneras are celebrated by people of various faiths, traditionally they are closely associated with Roman Catholicism. In this case, the quinceanera begins with a mass celebrated in the birthday girl's honor; alternately, a priest may give a blessing outside the church. After the mass, a party convenes at a hall or at the girl's home where the quinceanera is presented as an adult with her court of honor. The birthday girl and court of honor perform a rehearsed waltz, followed by a father-daughter dance.
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References
- Photo Credit Princess and the butterfly image by tigera from Fotolia.com
