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Porcelain Girl

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July 19th, 2010 Posted 5:19 pm

Porcelain Girl

A Quinceanera in Hispanic culture is commonly considered the equivalent of a Sweet Sixteen or Debutante. In many ways, these celebrations comparably intersect, but a Quinceanera has some very noted religious differences. Though many modern Quinces are more focused on celebration than religion, it is still important to understand the historical significance of this particular celebration before attending. As a non-Hispanic, you may find yourself confused about this celebration if you have suddenly been asked to attend one for a friend or family member.

First and foremost, a Quinceanera is a formal celebration. It takes place at a young woman’s 15th birthday, marking her change into physical and spiritual womanhood. A highly formal dress that is often on par with a wedding dress in worn. Many young women select a pale pink gown and coordinate all of their decorations to this color, however pink is by no means a requirement (though coordinating decorations generally are). Guests will come dressed in formal attire as they would to a wedding, and can expect formal seating and a dance floor with a DJ or band just the same. Gifts are traditionally given to the young woman in celebration of her coming of age.

The gifts that are given by guests can vary to any number of things, but specific gifts often given by the family and godparents hold special significance. Unlike a Sweet Sixteen, a Quinceanera has strong religious undertones that are similar to a Confirmation for many religions. Most commonly, the religious ceremony of a Quince is within the Catholic Church. Before the celebration, close family will attend a service where the young woman’s baptismal vows are renewed now that she is considered independent. Baptism in Christian religions is a ceremony in which a person-generally an infant-is dipped or anointed in water. It signifies the individual’s membership or immersion into the Church. However, since the decision to baptize a child is normally made by the parents, the ceremony at a Quinceanera marks a young woman’s decision on her own to be a member of the Church.

To commemorate this sacred ceremony, family members will adorn the fifteen year old with gifts that hold religious significance as well as symbolism for her newfound maturity. Traditionally, she will be presented with earrings as a reminder to listen to the word of God, with a bracelet or ring as a reminder of the cyclical nature of all life, and with prayer books for her continued spiritual devotion. Similarly, crosses and rosaries can be common gifts to signify devotion. To signify her change from childhood to womanhood, the young woman will generally begin the evening in flat shoes and at some point during the ceremony will be presented with a pair of high heels. Very traditional ceremonies will include the young woman presenting a porcelain doll to her younger sister, as she will no longer need toys as an adult.

Large ceremonies may find the presence of an escort, damas, and chambelanes. The escort is a boyfriend, friend, or relative that acts as primary dance partner for the girl celebrating her Quince. They will perform a special dance that has been professionally choreographed and practiced. Damas and chambelanes are female and male peers respectively that act similarly as a bridal party would at a wedding. They may participate in a choreographed dance and hold special significance for their close relationship to the young woman of honor.

Gifts given by guests may be religious in nature, but can also vary widely. Common gifts will include items that a 15-year-old might need, and will be tailored specifically to the young woman as a gift would be to any other birthday. Monetary gifts and gift cards are also perfectly acceptable, and all gifts should always be accompanied by a card.

Today, the main focus of a Quinceanera is the celebration of a young girl’s rite of passage into womanhood. Religious emphasis and traditions will vary depending on the particular family. Even the level of event formality will vary. The most important thing is to remember that this celebration is not just another Birthday Party. Though it may seem like a glorified version, a Quinceanera is meant to focus on a girl becoming a woman-a true reason to celebrate!

Meghan Teixeira is the Marketing Manager of ImpressInPrint.com an online invitation and stationery company.

“The Porcelain Girl” media tech class(: