Research Project: Quinceaneras in the Latin Culture

Quinceaneras in the Latin Culture
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Introduction
Tradition and culture are practices that have been there since the historical times. Things come and go, but cultures and traditions remain. It is unique to see our traditions stay with a diverse change in technology. Every ethnic community has a culture and a particular ritual practice. Some of the customs are eliminated due one reason or another. To date, cultural practices are practiced. The exercises mark certain social events or stages in society. A good example is the quinceaneras in the Latin culture. The Quinceanera is a celebration of a shift from juvenile to young adults (Lankford, 2004). The Latin American celebrated quinceaneras as a rite of passage for fifteen years old girls to grown-up. The Latin American girls celebrated this commemoration before starting marriage life.
History of quinceaneras
It is believed to have first been celebrated by the Aztecs and Mayans. Later, was adapted by catholic Spanish who captured South America. In the Aztec custom, at fifteen years, boys were percept as warriors and girls were recognized as young women. Thus, performed the quinceaneras to mark the transformation of a girl from childhood to adulthood (Lankford, 2004). The Latin commemorated quinceaneras as honor for girls who turned fifteen years old maintaining their virginity. Quinceaneras was perceived as a marker birthday because it signified the willingness of the miss to marry. It also permitted the girl to attend adult functions like parties. The word quinceanera was developed from Spanish ‘’quince’’ meaning fifteen and ‘’anos’’ which means years. Hence, naming the ceremony which Latino girls enters a child and comes out a young woman with responsibilities.
To the Latinos from Latin American, it is an ancient tradition. The commemoration has two parts, the Fiesta, and the mass (Hoyt-Goldsmith, 2002). It is an exceptional experience taking place only on one occasion in a girl’s life. Hence, reaffirming upkeep of custom. To date, girls accolade quinceaneras as a sign of becoming responsible and an opportunity to learn and exploit the culture. Traditionally the girl wears a pink dress during the occasion and tiara. It indicates, that in God’s eyes she is a princess. The quinceaneras starts with mass celebration followed by the party. At the party the girl performs dances. First with her father, followed by a fiancé and then other members. In the ceremony the girl throws quins doll. Which signifies she has admitted the transformation from childhood to womanhood.
Commemoration of quinceaneras
For Latin American the quinceaneras remains the cultural marker whenever it is celebrated. In its celebration the young girl has a collection of attendants including the escort. The convoy is made up of fifteen men and fourteen ladies, including the celebrant they are thirty in number (López, 2006). The girl arrives in church dressed in quinceaneras dress. The fourteen pairs lead the girl to the church followed by her, then her parents. The parents present gifts to their daughter. During the church service, the celebrants restates conformation and baptismal vows and promises to keep her faith. The reception is apprehended at the hall after the service. At the hall escort enters with the celebrant followed by her parents (Davalos, 2006). The party and the right of passage take place at the hall. Quinceanera is celebration of many events. The events include the religious ceremony, the party, the dress and the rituals. The happenings take place to effect this ceremony.
The religious ceremony
It starts with a distinctive mass devoted to the girl’s birthday. The mass acts a blessing to the girl’s new life. It is common for Christians to put God first before everything, thus, the mass is a sign that the young woman to be, has begun her adulthood in Christianity (Davalos, 2006). The girl’s family and friends attend the thanks giving mass. In the course of the ceremony, fourteen couples march down the passage behind her. It represents the past years of her life. As per the tradition the birthday marked the end of a girl’s childhood and stated that she was ready for a marriage. Hence, traditionally she had to be skilled about the new life she was going to start. It was usually done by the elders.
The mass begins with the entrance procession. Here members enter the church and take their seats. The next is first reading, usually from the bible. Then come the second reading before the dedication ceremony. The dedication ceremony is accompanied by the lighting of candles (Hoyt-Goldsmith, 2002). Here baptismal vows are renewed under the guidance of the priest. Next is the gifts blessing session, where, the handouts are bl...