Marlén Mendoza
Quinceañera
I can still remember the limo, the photo shoots, the cake and that magnificent ice sculpture at the center of my dessert table. That day the venue was filled with over three hundred attendees from family to friends to even strangers but none of it mattered because on June 6, 2008, I became a Quinceañera. To many of my non-Latino friends this description of my party might sound like a wedding but it is not, on the contrary it is a rite of passage. Although now more extravagant it still holds true to its roots, practices like the coronation, toast, changing of the shoes, and white attire are all symbols vital to the demonstration of coming of age for a Latina turning fifteen. Quinceañera literally translates …show more content…
The priest is the religious practitioner who has formal training in the ritual practice. The acmes of this ritual include traditional “authentic” food, dance (waltz), friends and family and of course God. After the religious ceremony it is followed with a reception at home or at a venue. A white ball gown dress is traditionally worn to symbolize purity and the concept of virginity since she (Quinceañera) is supposed to be pure until her wedding night. The concept of no sex before marriage is embedded here through the religion which predominantly is catholic. Tokens like the tiara or crown, medal cross, bible, and the “last doll” are habitual to this ceremony. Other accessories for the hall or venue include a bouquet of flowers which the Quinceañera offers to the Virgin Mary in mass, cake, champagne for the toast, a photographer, and ceremony pillows used for kneeling during mass. One of the most popular and evocative traditions is the Changing of the Shoes. The father or favored male relative (if father is absent) changes the young girl's flat shoes to high heels. This reciprocity in exchange of shoes signifies the Quinceañera’s transformation from a little girl to a young lady. After the waltz with her court there is a toast (brindis) with champagne made by the father or male figure where guests are invited to offer their felicidades (congrats) and best wishes. Last but not least,
Quinceañera
I can still remember the limo, the photo shoots, the cake and that magnificent ice sculpture at the center of my dessert table. That day the venue was filled with over three hundred attendees from family to friends to even strangers but none of it mattered because on June 6, 2008, I became a Quinceañera. To many of my non-Latino friends this description of my party might sound like a wedding but it is not, on the contrary it is a rite of passage. Although now more extravagant it still holds true to its roots, practices like the coronation, toast, changing of the shoes, and white attire are all symbols vital to the demonstration of coming of age for a Latina turning fifteen. Quinceañera literally translates …show more content…
The priest is the religious practitioner who has formal training in the ritual practice. The acmes of this ritual include traditional “authentic” food, dance (waltz), friends and family and of course God. After the religious ceremony it is followed with a reception at home or at a venue. A white ball gown dress is traditionally worn to symbolize purity and the concept of virginity since she (Quinceañera) is supposed to be pure until her wedding night. The concept of no sex before marriage is embedded here through the religion which predominantly is catholic. Tokens like the tiara or crown, medal cross, bible, and the “last doll” are habitual to this ceremony. Other accessories for the hall or venue include a bouquet of flowers which the Quinceañera offers to the Virgin Mary in mass, cake, champagne for the toast, a photographer, and ceremony pillows used for kneeling during mass. One of the most popular and evocative traditions is the Changing of the Shoes. The father or favored male relative (if father is absent) changes the young girl's flat shoes to high heels. This reciprocity in exchange of shoes signifies the Quinceañera’s transformation from a little girl to a young lady. After the waltz with her court there is a toast (brindis) with champagne made by the father or male figure where guests are invited to offer their felicidades (congrats) and best wishes. Last but not least,