The Roots of Our Traditional Quinceanera

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The Roots of Our Traditional Quinceanera

When a young Latina is at the age of fourteen, what does she think about? If she is a traditional Latina, she may be thinking about one of the best days of her life. No, not necessarily her wedding day, more like the day that she will be in the spot light and shine like a princess. This day of celebration will be on her fifteenth birthday (quinceanera), when her friends and family will gather in celebration and introduce her to society as a “young lady.”
Quinceanera Roots
The history of Quinceanera dates back to the Aztecs around 500 B.C. The word is comprised of two parts: "quince" (fifteen) and "anera" which is a derivative of "anos" (year); and refers to a girl's fifteenth birthday. By age fifteen, boys were expected to become warriors and fulfill their father's expectations. For girls, it was the time in their life when they were presented to the community as young ladies, instead of girls. Fifteen-year-old Aztec girls were considered women and were given the instruction and responsibilities of womanhood and although this is a hugely significant rite of passage, it is also an enormous honor, one that Mexican girls today look forward to with pride and happiness. Every other birthday before and after may come and go without major celebration, but throughout the history of Quinceanera, this event has been full of ritual and tradition.
To celebrate the Quinceanera, the proceedings begin with a Thanksgiving Mass (Misa de Acción de Grácias). The young Quinceanera (the girl whose fifteenth birthday is being commemorated) is accompanied by a head chamberlain (chambelan), other chamberlains, maids of honor (damas), her godparents (padrinos) and of course, her loving mother and father. Everyone is dressed formally and the scene resembles a wedding complete with bridesmaids and the Quinceanera will wear something that stands her above the rest, usually a ball gown and some stunning jewelry. In ancient times, when ball gowns didn't exist, she would still have been attired in a manner that would distinguish her from everyone else.
The Mass is held in the family's church and in the old days, would have been conducted in the community's gathering place. The ceremony is a reaffirmation of the baptismal vows made by her parents. The history of Quinceanera has passed cultural traditions and dearly held values on through many generations. This includes a special candle ceremony that aims to thank the people in the young girl's life who have been there for her and helped her to develop and grow.
Music has always been a part of life in Spanish and Latino history. It forms the background for any celebration and brings to joyful life, whatever is being honored. Even in the ancient Aztec times, music would have been the thread that held the entire atmosphere together, and everyone would have danced and sang and prayed along to it. One of the loveliest traditions in the history of Quinceanera is the father/daughter dance, where the proud papa takes his daughter's hand and invites her to share a waltz with him, symbolizing his recognition that she is now a lady and should be treated as such. Not only is the dance a very special moment, but also it provides much entertainment, and perhaps a few happy tears, for those witnessing it.
What used to be a Mexican festival has been adopted by other countries in South America, and the tradition has been carried into the U.S. where as the years go by, the celebrations become grander and richer. It has become the fashion among Latino families to hold a sweet fifteenth for their daughter's coming of age, which is lovely as it brings communities together, just as it did in the old history of Quinceanera. In the New Millennium, just as five centuries B.C., the Quinceanera is alive and well and is a family day of happiness and memories to cherish forever.
In Her Honor
This day will always be remembered as one of the greatest days of the quinceanera’s life. This is a special tradition that most Latino families hold dear to their hearts as they introduce their young daughter to society and recognize that she is turning into a beautiful young woman. Most parents put their heart and soul into this special day, so if you are planning on having a quinceanera soon please remember to thank you parents and family members for honoring such a special day.
By: Marilynn T. Sanchez, MPA (Bakersfield College)