Quinceañera

A Mexican quinceañera after mass

Quinceañera (Spanish pronunciation: [kinθeaˈɲeɾa]; feminine form of "fifteen-year-old"), also called fiesta de quince años, fiesta de quinceañera, quince años, quinceañero or simply quince, is a celebration of a girl's fifteenth birthday in parts of Latin America and elsewhere in communities of people from Latin America. This birthday is celebrated differently from any other as it marks the transition from childhood to young womanhood.^[1] Latin myths and tradition tell about how girls were prepared to be married by the age of fifteen or become nuns. In the years prior to their fifteenth birthdays, girls were taught to cook, weave, and about child bearing by the elder women in their communities in preparation for their expected lives as married women.^[2] The celebrations today vary significantly across countries; celebrations in some countries, for example, have taken on more religious overtones than in others.

In Brazil, a Portuguese-speaking country, the same celebration is called festa de debutantes, baile de debutantes or festa de quinze anos. In the French Caribbean and French Guiana, it is called fête des quinze ans. The grandest parties are comparable to the debutante balls formerly common among the upper-class in the United Kingdom and the United States. The quinceañera is celebrated according to their national traditions by many Latino communities in the United States.

Origin

Quinceañeras originated from Aztec culture around 500 B.C. At age fifteen boys became warriors and girls were viewed as mothers of future warriors, marking the age in which a girl became a woman. Over time, the quinceañera has continued to represent the symbolic change of a girl to a woman, yet birthing new warriors is not a new woman's primary occupation anymore.^[3] The quinceañera is a celebration for latin girls who, turning fifteen, are honored for having maintained their virginity up to this point in their lives. The festivities combine Spanish-Catholic traditions with the Aztec and Indigenous heritage. In ancient Mexico or Mexica, the Aztecs had many ceremonies to mark passages through the stages of life; this specific passage marks a young woman becoming an adult, by being presented as a virgin to the community for probable suitors.^[4] In a traditional Mexican quinceañera, there are damas and chambelanes, the people who do the dances at the quinceañera along with the Quinceañera. There is also a "man of honor," or accompanying male. A dowry, or bridal wealth, is presented to the family of the young woman by potential suitors as gifts for the family. Prior to the giving away of the young woman, the women engage in festivities in instructing the girl in her duties and responsibilities, urging her to follow the correct path, remaining true to her people and their traditions, in her life.^[4] The meaning behind the quincerañera has become more refined over time and has been adapted into various latin cultures based on the country they are in.

Changes over the years

In older times, quinceañeras were seen as a marker birthday because it symbolized the readiness of the girl; she would be able to marry once she turned fifteen. It also allowed the quinceañera to attend adult parties, tweeze eyebrows, wear makeup, shave legs, wear jewelry and high heels. When this tradition originated the quinceañera was a small party to celebrate the transition, so friends and family gathered in order to give the quinceañera a chance to mingle with young men. Rich families celebrated quinceañeras with big parties and big fancy princess looking dresses. Back in Latin American countries quinceañeras are published in the newspaper by the rich so others would find out about their extravagant celebration. In the 60’s when Latinos migrated to the United States they brought back their traditions. Once in the United States poor immigrants were able to do parties big enough like the ones back in their home country. The average cost of a quinceañera around that time was $5,000. Nowadays the average quinceañera can range from $12,000 to $15,000 for a one day celebration. From a simple food and cake celebration it has now become a big celebration that is themed, staged with a special entrance and dances, and captured in photoshoots and video. Now quinceañeras celebrations are mixing with traditions from other cultures, yet always keeping own home country roots. It is as if they are holding on to old traditions, but by making fancier parties they are becoming better and making new traditions. Quinceañera celebrations have become more fancy, more expensive and have incorporated many more traditions in the United States. Even now quinceañeras are being used to advertise products and appeal to the younger generation of girls.^[5]

In specific countries

United States

The first noted quinceañeras to be celebrated in the United States is in the early 1990s in Laredo, Texas. However, many Chicanas did not participate in the celebrations due to the high cost that was only attainable to wealthy families. Although, in recent years quinceañeras are gaining more popularity in the United States. Publications about quinceañeras that are distributed in America are increasingly including English versions to the former original works in the Spanish language. This occurrence emphasized the influence of Latino celebration of the quinceañera in the United States.^[6]

Argentina, Peru, Paraguay, Bolivia and Uruguay

In Argentina, Peru, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Uruguay the celebration (which is never referred to as a quinceañera but as a fiesta de quince) begins with the arrival of the teenager accompanied by her father, the girl wearing an elaborate, elegant dress she has chosen according to her preferences in colors and style, but still maintaining some aspect of traditional dress. The location, if indoors, commonly has its entrance specially adorned for the occasion. The father and daughter make their entry through this front-door entrance while music plays, and friends and relatives customarily give flowers (usually roses) to the father. After this, the ceremony of the waltz begins, in which the girl first dances with her father—or the father figure—who passes her on to her friends and relatives.

The ball is customarily divided into segments, between which various food dishes are served in order to allow the guests—who are usually close family members and friends—to mingle and enjoy the celebration. The following order of events represents a typical program:

1. Entrance, which is usually accompanied by slow songs
2. Waltz
3. Entree
4. First period of dancing
5. Main meal course
6. Second period of dancing
7. Dessert and video playback of the recorded birthday with her friends
8. 15-candle ceremony (optional)
9. Third period of dancing
10. Toast, cake cutting, and a ritual where each female friend/relative pulls a ribbon out of a bunch. The ribbons all have charms on the ends except for one which has a ring.
11. Last period of dancing

Ceremony of the 15 Candles

In this ceremony, the birthday girl hands a candle to each of the fifteen people she considers the most influential in her life. She often makes a speech, usually dedicated to each of the persons given candles. This ceremony is also known as the Tree of Life. The 15 candles symbolize the 15 years the girl has "left behind". Each of the candles represents a special memory, a moment shared with each person whom she invites to join the ritual. She expresses her gratitude to these 15 people, whom she will tell how each helped her.

Brazil

In Brazil the celebration is called festa de debutantes, baile de debutantes or festa de quinze anos. The following order of events represents a typical program:

1. Entrance
2. Mass (optional)
3. First period of dancing (usually to international music)
4. Ceremony with videos about the girl's life, with friends' greeting
5. A dance with men from her family and one boy (either her boyfriend or her best friend)
6. Second period of dancing (usually to national music)
7. Cake cutting
8. Third period of dancing

Cuba

In Cuba, the party may include a choreographed group dance, in which 14 couples waltz around the quinceañera, who is accompanied by one of the main dancers, a boy of her choice, or her boyfriend. The choreography often includes four or six dancers or escorts called experts, who are allowed to dance around the quinceañera. They are usually inexperienced dancers whose function is to highlight the central couple. The male dancers are also allowed to wear tuxedos in different colors.

Fifteenth-birthday celebrations were very popular in Cuba until the late 1970s. This practice partly entered Cuba via Spain, but the greatest influence was the French. The wealthy families who could afford to rent expensive dining rooms in private clubs or hotels of four and five stars held celebrations that were the precursors of quinceañeras, which they called quinces. These celebrations usually took place in the house of the girl or the more spacious house of a relative.

Dominican Republic

This celebration is very traditional and commonly celebrated. It begins with a Mass in the Catholic Church to receive the blessing of God and give thanks for another year of life. At the birthday party, the birthday girl makes her entrance to the place of the party accompanied by 14 pairs of guests who, together with the teenager's escort, number 15 couples in total. The quinceañera customarily wears a brightly colored dress. Ladies wear long dresses and gentlemen wear suits and ties, which are often brightly colored, but never to overshadow the birthday girl's dress, which is the focal point of the celebration. Almost immediately the quinceañera birthday girl dances the waltz with her partner; they dance in the middle of the space, and her partner passes her to her father to finish the waltz.

It is customary for the quinceañera girl and her escorts to perform several choreographed dances, which may include rhythms such as merengue, pop, or salsa. A buffet and drinks are usually served. As the party favors or memories are given to the guests, invited guests sign in an album to record being at the party. The traditional cake of fifteen years is featured, which is usually of immense size and beauty, decorated with colorful designs. The cake is cut shortly after the dancing. Traditionally an artist or band participates in the celebration to bring it to life and give a musical touch.

A Nicaraguan girl celebrating her quince años. In Nicaragua, only the girl, and never the celebration, is referred to as quinceañera.

Ecuador, Venezuela and Colombia

In Ecuador, the quince starts with the arrival of the teenage girl, accompanied by her father; she is received by her mother and other relatives and friends. Then father and daughter dance a waltz and other tunes.^[7] The quinceañera birthday girl next dances with her brothers (if any) and their uncles and godparents. Then she performs the paso doble and the waltz with all members of the procession (then optional dances to other music, such as meringue or pop).

For this occasion the teenager wears an evening dress in light colors or pastels, is dressed and made up slightly, and usually places a tiara in her hair and jewels on her neck and hands. All the guests dress in formal attire, including the teenager's peers.

After the first dance, the teenager and her friends have a dance. After that, the festival begins with music from live bands, some famous artists, DJs, food, drink, and at one late point of the night a "crazy hour" is carried out, in which the attendants wear masks or funny wigs and make noise with whistles and rattles while fast-tempo music is played. It is optional to make some surprise dance performed by the quinceañera birthday girl (alone or accompanied), and also a dance that will give away her friends, cousins, and others.

French Guiana and French Caribbean

In French Guiana and the French Caribbean, the celebration is known as fête des quinze ans. It follows a similar structure.

Mexico

A Mexican quinceañera celebration

Quinceañera with "chambelanes"

In Mexico the quinceañera is adorned with elegant jewelry and makeup. By tradition, this was to be the first time she would wear makeup in public, but in the 21st century, girls start using makeup at an earlier age. The quinceañera is also expected to wear a formal evening dress, traditionally a long, elegant ball gown chosen by the girl and most often, her mother, according to her favorite color and style.^[8]

In the Mexican Catholic tradition, the quinceañera celebration begins with a thanksgiving mass.^[8] She arrives at church accompanied by her parents, godparents, and court of honor. The court of honor is a group of her chosen peers consisting of paired-off girls and boys, respectively known as damas (dames) and chambelanes (chamberlains). Typically, the court consists of pairs ranging from seven to fifteen damas and chambelanes. At this religious mass, a rosary, or sometimes a necklace with a locket or pendant depicting Mexico's patron saint, the Virgin of Guadalupe, is presented to the teenager by her godparents, the necklace having been previously blessed by the church clergy. She is also awarded a tiara, which serves as a reminder that to her loved ones, especially her immediate family, the quinceañera will always be a princess. Some also see it as denoting that she is a "princess" before God and the world. After this, the girl may leave her bouquet of flowers on the altar for the Virgin Mary.^[8]

After the thanksgiving mass, guests gather for a celebratory reception where the events to honor the quinceañera will take place, including giving gifts. This reception may be held at the quinceañera's home, at venues (such as dining halls, banquet halls, or casinos), or in some cases, in more public places, similar to a block party. During the reception, the birthday girl usually dances a traditional waltz with her father to a song chosen by both that speaks about the occasion and their relationship. Then her father passes her to the "chambelán de honor", her chosen escort, and afterward they continue the dance with the rest of her court of honor.^[8] Often this section of the celebration is previously practiced and/or choreographed, often weeks in advance, sometimes even with months of anticipation.^[8]

The basic reception has six major parts^[9] with dances taking place while a traditional Mexican meal is served:

1. The formal entry - A grand entrance made by the Quinceañera once most guests have been seated.
2. The formal toast - An optional but usually featured part of the reception, generally initiated by the parents or godparents of the birthday girl.
3. The first dance - Usually a waltz where the girl dances, starting with her father.
4. The family dance - Usually a waltz involving just the immediate relatives, the "chambelanes", godparents, and the closest friends of the girl.
5. The preferred song - Any modern song particularly enjoyed by the Quinceañera is played and danced.
6. The general dance - Also usually a traditional waltz.

Traditionally, Mexican girls could not dance in public until they turned fifteen, except at school dances or at family events. So the waltz with her "chambelanes" is choreographed and elaborate to celebrate what was meant to be the quinceañera's first public dance.

Some families may choose to add a ceremonial components to the celebration, depending on local customs. Among them are the ceremony of the Change of Shoes, in which a family member presents the quinceañera with her first pair of high heel shoes; the Crowning ceremony, in which a close relative places a crown on her head; and ceremonia de la ultima muñeca (literally "ceremony of the last doll"), during which her father presents her with a doll usually wearing a dress similar to the quinceañera. The ceremony of the last doll is based on a Maya tradition; it is related to the birthday girl's later giving up of the doll as she grows into womanhood. Likewise, the ceremony of the change of shoes symbolizes the girl's maturity.^[8]

Once all symbolic gestures have taken place, the dinner is begun. At this point, the celebration reaches its peak; live musical groups begin playing music, keeping the guests entertained. The music is played while the guests dine, chat, mingle, and dance. The next morning the family and closest friends may also attend a special breakfast, especially if they are staying with the family. Sometimes what is known as a recalentado (re-warming) takes place in which any food not consumed during the event of the night before is warmed again for a brunch type event.^[10]

Traditions from other Hispanic countries

Another tradition is to have 14 ladies (sometimes 7), and 14 escorts (sometimes 7) as a court. The escorts hold flowers (usually roses) and the ladies carry candles. As the quinceañera dances the waltz with her father, she blows out one candle, then picks up one rose. This continues until she has blown out all the candles and picked up all the roses. The 14 candles blown out represent her 14 previous years, and with each she makes a wish. When the time comes to cut the cake, the quinceañera will blow out her last candle, thus completing her 15 wishes. The flowers are given to her mother. An English-language quinceañera waltz song especially composed for the father and daughter dance is "Sure As The Wind." (See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yw520MtDw28)

Quinceañera's new traditions

In the 21st century, many girls create their own Quinceañera celebrations. Whereas traditional dresses were formal and usually white or pink only, dress designs are now more varied.^[11] Also, instead of having the traditional seven damas and seven chambelanes, the Quinceañera may pick all damas or all chambelanes. Traditionally, girls were not allowed to dance in public until turning fifteen, but this taboo has also receded significantly. The ceremony of the Changing of the Shoes has also been modified. Instead of wearing slippers before ceremonially exchanging them for high heels, a girl may decide to wear shoes compatible with the color and style of her dress instead of donning the traditional slippers.

See also

• Bar and Bat Mitzvah           
• Confirmation
• Cotillion ball
• Debutante balls
• Las Mañanitas
• Philippine Debut
• Rite of passage
• Sweet Sixteen

References

Notes

Bibliography

• Härkönen, Heidi. "Girls' 15-Year Birthday Celebration as Cuban Women's Space Outside of the Revolutionary State", Journal of the Association of Social Anthropologists, July 2011
• Mitchell, Caludia and Reid-Walsh, Jacqueline. Girl Culture: Studying Girl Culture - A Readers' Guide. ABC-CLIO 2008, ISBN 978-0-313-33909-7, pp. 493–496 (online copy, p. 493, at Google Books)
• Stavans, Ilans (ed.) Quinceaņera. ABC-CLIO, 2010, ISBN 978-0-313-35824-1

External links

• Media related to Quinceañeras at Wikimedia Commons
• Quinceañera Hairstyles