Quinceañera Traditions
A Quinceañera is normally celebrated when a young girl turns 15, similar to a “Sweet 16.” The difference is that a Quince is rooted in Latin culture. It is a way to embrace religious traditions, the virtues of family, and social responsibility. Most importantly, it’s a celebration of your transformation from a young girl into an adult.
The Catholic Thanksgiving Mass
A Quinceañera is a Catholic tradition that starts with a religious ceremony. You will enter the church in a procession, accompanied by your court, parents and godparents. You will typically choose your own readings. After the Gospel and the Homily, you will renew your Baptismal promise, and commit yourself to God and the Virgin Mary.
The Court
The original tradition was to have 14 boys called Chambelanes and 14 girls called Damas. Also, a male escort for the birthday girl. The total of 15 couples is meant to symbolize each year of your life. Now it is more popular to have 7 boys, 7 girls, the birthday girl, and her escort.
Father-Daughter Dance
The first dance is normally reserved for the father and daughter. He will typically pick a song of meaning to the two of you. It is a way of the father to present his daughter to the guests.
The Waltz
Usually, the court takes part in the dance. The Waltz is an elegant and choreographed dance meant to share with them and your escort.
The Quinceañera Gown
The gown will be lavish, as it is your first “adult dress”. There is typically a lot of tulle used to achieve a princess look. The color will normally be white or a light pink, to represent purity.
Traditional Quinceañera Gifts
Besides the birthday presents, there will also be traditional gifts from the family. These symbolize your transformation into a woman.
- High Heels:
These are normally given by the parents and symbolize the first pair of “adult” shoes. Parents will remove the flats you’ve been wearing all day, and replace them with the heels. Your flats represent your childhood, while heels represent you stepping into adulthood. This ceremony is typically done before the Father-Daughter Dance.
- The Last Doll:
The doll will traditionally be provided by the father, and may be wearing a similar dress and hair style as you. It symbolizes leaving behind your childish possessions, and taking in more mature interests in life. Sometimes the birthday girl will throw the doll into a crowd of younger girls, similar to how a bride throws her bouquet to a group of single girls.
- Bracelet or Ring:
Your godparents may gift you with a piece of jewelry, like a bracelet or a ring. This represents the undying love God has for you.
- Tiara:
The tiara is meant to take the place of a simpler headpiece and is placed on your head sometime during the ceremony. This shows that you are a princess in the eyes of God and is usually done at the same time as the shoe ceremony.
- Earrings:
Earrings are a reminder to keep your ears open to God, and to listen closely to His word.
- Bible:
The Bible is there to keep your faith grounded, and for you to turn to in times of trouble.
- Rosary, Medal or Cross:
It’s likely that you’ll receive a medal of a Patron Saint. A cross may be given to symbolize faith in God, yourself, and your world.
- Scepter:
This symbolizes your acceptance of the responsibilities that come with being a woman, as well symbolizing authority.
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