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  • Essay / Celebrating Coming of Age in Spanish Culture

    Each culture has events unique to its people, which are then passed down from generation to generation. In Spanish culture, there is a distinct celebration of the majority of young women. This party, a Quinceañera, is not only a religious event but a rite of passage that requires months of preparation. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay This event is not just a celebration, there is a ceremonial aspect in which the honoree reconfirms her faith. The quinceañera is defined as “the celebration of a girl’s 15th birthday, marking her transition from childhood to womanhood”; the term is also used to refer to the celebrant herself. The origin of Quinceañeras is difficult, if not impossible, to trace. However, it is said that it began as "a pre-Hispanic Aztec custom that dates back to 500 BC and was used by priests in the Christianization of the Indians in the same way that other indigenous customs mingled with Catholic religious festivals." Over the centuries, this Aztec custom underwent changes and slowly coalesced into what we know today as Quinceañeras, beginning to intersect with an extravagant ball. In previous years, festivities were only held by those who were wealthy enough to have them. Wealthy Latin Americans carried the tradition of introducing young women to promising men at a party called "debutante balls." It slowly began to gain popularity and quickly reached the lower and middle classes where it was accepted as part of their culture. Over the years, they have modified it to include their customs and way of celebrating. It is reported that in 1930, quinces were celebrated by Latinos. In the 1970s and 1980s, the celebration was the ceremony we know today. By mixing both “debutante balls” and Aztec rituals, this resulted in a religious coming-of-age ceremony. Additionally, months before the ceremony, the honoree and selected members of the court are required by the church to complete several religious education classes. course. This is because when this event was created, it was still categorized as the process of young women being offered to promising men. The only way the Roman Catholic Church would agree to participate in this event was to require all teenage members to understand the religious aspects of the ceremony and to make it clear that the event was to honor the young woman before God, and not to push her to please men. Once this is complete, the family can set the date for the mass, or mass, specifically for the Quinceañera. It begins with the entry of friends and family, followed by the padrinos (sponsors) and then the fourteen members of the court. Finally, the honored person enters, escorted by their chamberlain of honor and/or their parents. It is understandable that a celebration of this scale and importance requires considerable planning and resources. Since the cost of items tends to add up quickly, the celebrant's family and friends help cover some of the expenses. Those who choose or agree to help receive the title of padrinos. The male sponsors are padrinos and the female sponsors are madrinas. Since they are participating in such an important event, they are usually exceptionally close family friends or blood-related family members. They are intended to guide the young woman in the rest of her life and begin by organizing the ceremony whichmarks the start of the new phase. Baptism godparents are also expected at the event and are responsible for the cost of the dress. All other items, which may include food, cakes, shoes, jewelry, music, to name a few, may be assigned padrinos. The padrinos of honor are those who contribute significantly to the expenses of the celebration. They are usually listed in the invitations and in the progression through the ceremony and reception. They are also encouraged to toast the new chapter of life. While the padrinos sponsor certain items for the fiesta, there are items used in the celebration. There are various specific items used throughout the day representing many traditions carried in Hispanic culture; one of them being the Bible. The quinceañera receives the Bible as a reminder to learn the words of God. At the same time, they accept a prayer book to continue learning and expand their faith. Finally, the third element is a rosary. This has been accepted as a prayer tool and can be used with the other two items. Small gifts full of meaning and symbolism continue to be received by the quinceañera throughout the day. As young girls, going to a quinceañera came with great anticipation for their own day. At the time, the religious and traditional aspects may not have been understood, but they wanted to be a “princess” in a big, pretty dress. A scepter is an object of power generally used by the royal family. In a quince, the cumpleañera receives this object as a symbol of the power acquired in the religious community. It can also symbolize the responsibility to participate in important rituals and events in the Church. Although this object is one of the most symbolic objects of the era, it is certainly not the last. Somewhat less significant, what can be provided by a padrinos are the cojines. These small pillows are used to place the tiara, heels and scepter. There is also a time during mass when it is necessary to kneel and a cojin is purchased specifically for that time. These are usually purchased or made into a matching set decorated with lace, ribbon or, depending on the family, may be decorated by hand. Not only is the ceremony a traditional event containing many different pieces, but the reception that follows is just as complex. Although the ceremony and reception are memorable, it is an event passed down from generation to generation. Between the main events of the day, most families chose to document the event in pictures. Quinceañeras vary due to each person's unique taste. Some are modest in size while others reach the same expense as that of a wedding. The location where it takes place can vary from the celebrant's home to a dance hall. As grand as the celebration is, the meaning and tradition, the coming of age, remains. Thanks to modern technology, families now have the opportunity to capture this milestone forever. Professional photographers tend to be a significant expense and usually require a padrino. After the ceremony, the honoree and members of her court board the vehicle of her choice, most choose a limousine and go to a pre-selected location to take photos. The photographer then takes photos of the court in addition to taking photos of the invitations, the quinceañera and their family, and continues to capture the special moments on video throughout the day. While the honoree and his court.