Table of Contents Quinceanera Ceremony OverviewIntroductionOrigins and EvolutionReligious and Cultural SignificancePreparation and PlanningSymbolic Objects and TraditionsDocumentation and PhotographyRecuerdos and CommemorationTraditional Food and MealsRenewal of Vows and TiaraTransition to Quinceañera adulthoodExample Quinceanera Ceremony EssayWorks Cited introduction to Quinceañera celebration in Spanish cultureDefinition of Quinceañera and its cultural significanceOrigins and evolutionExploring the origins of QuinceañerasEvolution of celebration from pre-Hispanic Aztec customs to contemporary QuinceañerasReligious and cultural significanceThe ceremonial and religious aspects of QuinceañerasThe role of the Roman Catholic Church in shaping the eventTransition from childhood to womanhoodPreparation and planningMonths of preparation and religious educationRole of padrinos and madrinas in supporting the celebrationSelection and assignment of padrinosSymbolic objects and traditionsSignificance symbolic objects such as the Bible, prayer book, rosary, scepter and cojinesThe role of the cumpleañera's transition to adulthoodDocumentation and PhotographyThe importance of documenting the Quinceañera through photography and videoProfessional photographers and capturing special momentsRecuerdos and commemorationDistribution of recuerdos (commemorative gifts)Their importance in commemorating the day and showing gratitude to supportersTraditional food and mealsTraditional Hispanic food commonly served at QuinceañerasDining options and the role of family in meal preparationRenewal of vows and tiaraRenewal religious vows during the Quinceañera massTransition from headpiece to tiara symbolizing the transformation of the girlAcceptance of roles in biological and religious familiesTransition to adulthoodRecognition of the end of childhood and acceptance of adulthoodThe importance of the “Last Doll” as a symbol of growing up Quinceanera Ceremony Essay Example Every culture has events unique to its people, which are then passed down to each generation. In Spanish culture, there is a distinct celebration of the majority of young women. This party, a Quinceañera, is not only a religious event but a rite of passage that requires months of preparation. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay This event is not just a celebration, there is a ceremonial aspect in which the honoree reconfirms her faith. The quinceañera is defined as “the celebration of a girl’s 15th birthday, marking her transition from childhood to womanhood”; the term is also used to refer to the celebrant herself. The origin of Quinceañeras is difficult, if not impossible, to trace. However, it is said that it began as "a pre-Hispanic Aztec custom that dates back to 500 BC and was used by priests in the Christianization of the Indians in the same way that other indigenous customs mingled with Catholic religious festivals." Over the centuries, this Aztec custom underwent changes and slowly coalesced into what we know today as Quinceañeras, beginning to intersect with an extravagant ball. In previous years, festivities were only held by those who were wealthy enough to have them. Wealthy Latin Americans carried the tradition of introducing young women to promising men at a party called "debutante balls." It slowly began to gain popularity and quickly reached classeslower and middle classes where it was accepted as part of their culture. Over the years, they have modified it to include their customs and way of celebrating. It is reported that in 1930, quinces were celebrated by Latinos. In the 1970s and 1980s, the celebration was the ceremony we know today. By mixing both “debutante balls” and Aztec rituals, this resulted in a religious coming-of-age ceremony. Additionally, months before the ceremony, the honoree and the chosen members of the court are required by the church to take several religious education courses. This is because when this event was created, it was still categorized as the process of young women being offered to promising men. The only way the Roman Catholic Church would agree to participate in this event was to require all teenage members to understand the religious aspects of the ceremony and to make it clear that the event was to honor the young woman before God, and not to push her to please men. Once this is complete, the family can set the date for the mass, or mass, specifically for the Quinceañera. It begins with the entry of friends and family, followed by the padrinos (sponsors) and then the fourteen members of the court. Finally, the honored person enters, escorted by their chamberlain of honor and/or parents (Hill and Daniels 146). It is understandable that a celebration of this scale and importance requires extensive planning and resources. Since the cost of items tends to add up quickly, the celebrant's family and friends help cover some of the expenses. Those who choose or agree to help receive the title of padrinos. The male sponsors are padrinos and the female sponsors are madrinas. Since they are participating in such an important event, they are usually exceptionally close family friends or blood-related family members. They are intended to guide the young woman in the rest of her life and begin by organizing the ceremony which marks the start of the new phase. Baptism godparents are also expected at the event and are responsible for the cost of the dress. All other items, which may include food, cakes, shoes, jewelry, music, to name a few, can be assigned to padrinos (Hill and Daniels 149). The padrinos of honor are those who contribute significantly to the expenses of the celebration. They are usually listed in the invitations and in the progression through the ceremony and reception. They are also encouraged to toast the new chapter of life. Although the padrinos sponsor certain items for the party, some items are used in the celebration. There are various specific objects used throughout the day, representing many traditions carried in Hispanic culture; one of them being the Bible. The quinceañera receives the Bible as a reminder to learn the words of God. At the same time, they accept a prayer book to continue learning and expand their faith. Finally, the third element is a rosary. This has been accepted as a prayer tool and can be used with the other two items (DaVinci. par. 7). Small gifts full of meaning and symbolism continue to be received by the quinceañera throughout the day. As young girls, going to a quinceañera came with great anticipation for their own day. At the time, the religious and traditional aspects may not have been understood, but they wanted to be a “princess” in a big, pretty dress. A scepter is an object of power generally used by the familyroyal. In a quince, the cumpleañera receives this object as a symbol of the power acquired in the religious community. It can also symbolize the responsibility to participate in important rituals and events in the Church. Although this object is one of the most symbolic objects of the era, it is certainly not the last. Somewhat less significant, what can be provided by a padrinos are the cojines. These small pillows are used to place the tiara, heels and scepter. There is also a time during mass when it is necessary to kneel and a cojin is purchased specifically for that time. These are usually purchased or made into a matching set decorated with lace, ribbon or, depending on the family, may be decorated by hand. Not only is the ceremony a traditional event containing many different pieces, but the reception that follows is just as complex. Although the ceremony and reception are memorable, it is an event passed down from generation to generation. Between the main events of the day, most families chose to have the event documented in picture form. Quinceañeras vary due to each person's unique taste. Some are modest in size while others reach the same expense as that of a wedding. The location where this takes place can vary from the celebrant's home to a dance hall. No matter how grand the celebration, the meaning and tradition of coming of age is still valid. Thanks to modern technology, families now have the opportunity to capture this milestone forever. Professional photographers tend to be a significant expense and usually require a padrino. After the ceremony, the honoree and members of her court board the vehicle of her choice, most choose a limousine and go to a pre-selected location to take photos. The photographer then takes photos of the court in addition to taking photos of the invitations, the quinceañera and their family, and continues to capture the special moments on video throughout the day. While the honoree and their court finish taking photos, guests take this moment to mingle and catch up with their families. As family members take the opportunity to relax before the evening's events, recuerdos (small commemorative gifts) are distributed, usually by a younger cousin. These can be candles, candies, religious objects or even small mirrors. They can be engraved with the name of the cumpleañera and the date. These are specifically for padrinos, court members and family. They are intended to commemorate this day and be a sign of thanks from the quinceañera to those who have helped and supported her throughout her life. Once everyone had a chance to greet each other, the most anticipated moment of the day arrived. No matter how traditional and supportive family members want to be, most will be there just for the food. The chosen meal can be expected to be one of many things. Tamales, fajitas, pozole (a corn and meat stew) are common foods at Hispanic celebrations, not to mention flour or corn tortillas and a variety of salsas. They can also have sides like rice and beans. Drinks can be aguas frescas (fresh fruit water) or soft drinks. The meal is prepared by a member of the family, usually the abuelas and tías (grandmothers and aunts). Today, however, it is less stressful for the family to be served a meal. Tacos are a growing food, 34(2),/