Quinceanera culuture, how much do you know?
We often hear about western countries’ Quincereanera ceremony and search out beautiful Quincereaera dresses in google, but in China, such a ceremony is rare. What’s Quinceanera? What are the history, tradition and significance of Quincerenera?
History
Historically speaking, Quinceanera traditions date back to ancient Mexican society. The origins can be traced back to the Aztecs in 500BC where it was used as a form of initiation to instruct and reinforce important cultural ideals. These days, turning fifteen years of age is acknowledged with the Quinceañera and the ceremony is a reaffirmation of the baptismal vows made by her parents. Now, as then, a candle is lit during the ceremony to signify this.
Traditions
One of the sweetest and most popular Quinceanera traditions is when the young lady with nice Quincereaera dress gets to dance with her father in front of everyone. Usually a very special song will be chosen and many a father has found himself teary on the dance floor with his newly come-of-age daughter. Additionally, the guest of honor will wear flat shoes at first and will be presented with a pair of elegant, heeled shoes to signify child becoming a women. The young lady celebrating her Quinceañera will make a presentation of a porcelain doll to her younger sister, symbolizing the last of her toys, another representation of moving forward toward adulthood.
Gifts
With much symbolism and significance, gifts are an important part of Quinceanera traditions. They denote the young lady’s acceptance by the church, by God and by the congregation (her family and friends) as a woman. She wears a tiara as a sign of leaving childhood behind and facing the challenges that lay ahead and she is also presented with either a bracelet or ring (or both) representing the unending circle of life. Earrings are a reminder to listen and pay heed to the word of God and the world around her, a cross or medallion signifies faith and a rosary or prayer book are religious resources to always remind the young lady to remember her devotion to God.
Even in the New Millennium, Hispanic girls take their Quinceañera traditions and consum ers- Quincereaera dresses seriously. Sadly, the concept seems to be fading somewhat but many Latin American families encourage the culture to remain alive and well. By the time a fifteenth birthday approaches, the plans are well under way and the community get into the spirit and have a wonderful time.
