Mexican Coming Of Age Research Paper

Japanese vs Mexican Coming of Age Rituals The Japanese term for coming of age is Seijin no Hi. On this day, once a Japanese citizen turns 20 they are considered an adult. The Mexican coming of Age ceremony is a quinceanera. A quinceanera celebrates a 15 year olds matureness and transition to becoming a young adult. Even though both Japanese and Mexican cultures celebrate a coming of age ceremony for young adults, they each have many similarities and differences in their rituals. The Japanese coming of age ceremony that is celebrated throughout all of Japan is Seijin no Hi. “Currently, the Coming-of-age Ceremony takes place on the second Monday of January. Most places in Japan hold the ceremony either on that Monday or one day earlier on the Sunday. Young people blessed at the ceremony are called the …show more content…
“The young woman’s fifteenth birthday begins with a Misa de acción de gracias, or mass to give thanks for a completed childhood. The festejada, or adolescent woman celebrating the birthday, is seated at the foot of the church altar resplendent in an elaborate pink or white formal dress. The godparents have bestowed her with special gifts, often jewelry to accent the beautiful dress” (“The Quinceañera Celebration”). The start of the quinceanera begins at the church. A quick mass is given so that the 15 year old and her family can thank God for being alive to take part in the celebration. After the mass is over the party begins
In preparation before the quinceanera a 15 year old typically gets a big colorful dress. The dress plays a big part in the quinceanera because it’s what makes the girl stand out. Most girls wear a formal dress at church during the opening mass and change after for the party/reception. Another big part of the quinceanera is the cake. At most quinceaneras, the cakes are decorated very nicely and have a small figure of a young girl at the top of the cake that resembles the 15 year