Research Project: Quinceaneras in the Latin Culture

Quinceaneras in the Latin Culture
Name
Institution of Affiliation
Date
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 res...