Education on Catholic Quinceañeras

On Saturday, my brother and I were godparents to my cousin’s daughter for her quinceañera.  In Latin American cultures we have this huge celebration for the fifteen birthday of girls as a way to reveal to society the transition from girl into young womanhood.  Traditionally girls were raised to learn various domestic skills before the reveal as a way to indicate to the community that she was ready for marriage. In addition, to her domestic training girls usually have to go through religious classes at their home parish (typically the confirmation program).  On the day of the celebration the girl along with her mother choose a ball gown in the color and design of their mutual liking.  Traditionally the girls were not allowed to wear make-up until the day of the reveal as a way to show that growth from girl to woman.  The celebration begins with a thanksgiving blessing or mass.  During the mass the girl is given a Bible, a rosary, a pendant with the patron saint of Mexico, Our Lady of Guadalupe, and a tiara which have been previously blessed by the godparents.  During the liturgical ritual the girl gives thanks to God, renews her commitment to Him and her Catholic faith, receives His blessing in this new stage of life she is beginning, presents a bouquet of flowers to Mother Mary as an act of consecration and receives communion.

There’s a lot of rituals that take place within the quinceañera mass that all have rich symbolic meaning. At the beginning the quinceañera enters the church in procession with her court, parents and godparents.  The priest greets her at the altar, where a designated chair is placed for the young lady.  The readings are chosen especially for the occasion and the quinceañera is encouraged to participate by reading one of the readings.  The homily is given with themes on remaining true and thankful to God, appreciating parents, family, friends and serving others. The gifts presented symbolize higher truths: the rosary and Bible symbolize the eternal word of God, the pendant symbolize a girl’s devotion to Mary and virginity, the crown represent her superior morality and serves as a reminder that she is God’s princess.  During the service the quinceañera makes a commitment to God and the blessed Virgin to live her life according to the teachings of Christ and the church by renewing her baptismal vows.  After communion the priest gives her a final blessing and the community congratulates the quinceañera with a warm applause.

After Mass guest are encouraged to join the quinceañera and her family at the reception for a yummy meal and lots of dancing.  During the reception many cultural rituals occur which have more of a societal significance.  The quinceañera is presented with her last doll (usually a beautiful porcelain doll with a replica of the quinceañera's dress) symbolizing the end of childhood; her first set of high heels representing her entrance into womanhood and the crown usually not given during mass is now placed on her head to remain for the rest of the celebration.  Another memorable thing that happens is the quinceañera’s first dance with her daddy- this is usually a very emotional point were daddy’s sometimes lose it and cry.  My brother and I were the godparents who sponsored the tiara and prior to the beginning of the dance we had to go in front of everyone and place the crown on her head.  The godparents usually sponsor items for the party because the celebration is a community affair where friends and family contribute monetarily.  The mentality is one of unity today you help me tomorrow we help you.  I wasn’t able to take pictures during the religious ceremony because I was too involved worshipping God, but I took some great ones of the reception before my camera died (sad face)!