Posted on 05/06/2018 11:48:05 AM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
For Hispanic girls in Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, the United States and elsewhere, the 15th birthday marks the most lavish celebration of their lives. Designating a girl’s transition from childhood to adulthood, the quinceañera is a two-part festivity that traces back to both indigenous and European cultural traditions and has become an increasingly opulent affair in recent years. Parents may even spend more on their daughters' "Sweet 15" quinceañeras than their weddings, in fact, which is why some refer them as mini bodas, or miniature weddings. Not counting the birthday presents a young girl might receive, a low-end quinceañera in the United States can easily cost about $3,000 [source: Colloff].
One look at a quince girl (a nickname for the quinceañera honoree) on her special day, and the high price tag makes sense. First off, there's the outfit: Often made of satin with lace overlays and rhinestone accents, quinceañera dresses, the visible centerpieces of these celebrations, mirror what Cinderella might’ve worn to her fairytale ball. The floor-length gowns are traditionally white or pale pink, but the revived quinceañera culture accepts dresses in a rainbow of hues. Perched on the quince girl’s head is a delicate tiara or crown, the symbolism of which we’ll discuss later in the article, and in her hands -- at least at the beginning of the ceremony -- she might hold a Bible or book of prayer.
Although its emphasis is more on the party than the prayer, the quinceañera starts at the local Catholic church. Before any birthday cake is cut, the quince girl attends a special Mass in which she reaffirms her dedication to God and receives a blessing from the priest....
(Excerpt) Read more at people.howstuffworks.com ...
So, does taking my redheaded niece to Texas Roadhouse tomorrow for her 15th birthday count?
The Miami Cubans were big on this when I lived there in the 70’s.
“Some parts of Hispanic culture, as far as strong family bonds, remind me of how we used to be.”
Agree. See it all the time. But they need to stay involved with their churches or they will lose it also.
Possible. More probable after the ‘hood parties when girls turn 13.
This is nothing new. At least in New England, where the Hispanic population grew with the tobacco fields of CT and Western MA.
I just thankful that I got to skip this “rite” for my daughters. There is enough crap “you have to do.”
Imagine a patch of sprawled, rain-battered white peonies. My mother's Aunt Clara described that as looking like a passel of drunken debutantes. Not that she would have known.
The legal Cuban community in Miami also holds these.
What is wrong with you?
You have this on what authority? Many Hispanic families are strongly Christian and protective of their children, especially daughters. Not all of them belong to gangs, have loose morals or suck the welfare teat.
There are plenty of them that are not here illegally but became citizens or shock to you were born here. Some going back generations.
And human babies are not “pups”. Ever!
I am gobsmacked at the blatant ignorance and malice.
St. Cecilia Ball in Charleston was the real prestigious one.
Thanks for the input, newbie.
the 15th birthday marks the most lavish celebration of their lives. Designating a girl’s transition from childhood to adulthood, the quinceañera is a two-part festivity that traces back to both indigenous and European cultural traditions and has become an increasingly opulent affair in recent years.
...
Mohammed’s wife transitioned at the age of nine.
Not many Mexicans in your part of town?
I don’t think the pre-war young ladies got drunk.
Yes, that’s legendary.
At the party for my friend Rafaela's daughter, the high-heeled shoes were presented by the "First Communion godparents," a non-canonical role which, I theorize, comes from a situation in which First Communion and Confirmation were celebrated at the same time.
“...and coming out parties.”
Not gonna go where that leads...
You’re probably right.
Was your mother’s aunt a product of the Roaring 20s?
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