Archives : Quinceañera History
The Quinceañera Mass, aka La Ceremonia Religiosa or La Misa
The Quinceañera Mass, also referred to as La Ceremonia Religiosa or La Misa, is perhaps the most important element of the traditional Quinceañera. In general, this Misa de accion de gracias, or Thanksgiving Mass, commemorates the transition of the 15-year-old girl’s life from childhood to womanhood. The Quinceañera Mass may include a variety of traditional activities depending on the individual family.
Common Quinceañera Mass Elements
- The Quinceañera is typically escorted to the altar of the church by her parents, godparents, and her court of honor.
- Family members and friends may make speeches during the mass itself.
- Children play a role in many Quinceañera Masses from placing the pillow upon which the Quinceañera will kneel throughout the ceremony to handing out small gifts to guests.
- At the end of La Misa, the Quinceañera may place her bouquet on the altar of the Virgin Maria.
- La Ceremonia Religiosa is typically followed by a reception which includes a variety of additional traditions. Read more »
Vestidos de Quinceañera: Quinceañera Dresses
The Vestidos de Quinceañera (Quinceañera dresses) are one of the most important elements of the Quinceañera preparations. Throughout Quinceañera history, the young lady of the day has been, typically, swathed in layers of taffeta, chiffon, satin, and a myriad of other sumptuous dress fabrics, often over full hoop skirts.
Photos by: Lazaro, Mon Cheri Bridals, White Dyeable Shoes, Quinceañera Clutch with Survival Kit, Hoop Skirt Slip, Mega-Full Crinoline Slip
The Quinceañera dress is often white, a representation of the young lady’s purity. A typical vestido de Quinceañera might even be confused for a traditional white wedding dress, with its formal accessories and delicate lace accoutrements. However, pale pink is another common color choice for the traditional Quinceañera gown. Read more »
Invitaciones de Quinceañera | Quinceañera Invitations
Los Invitaciones de Quinceañera, or the Quinceañera Invitations, are one of the most important elements to consider when planning your Quinceañera. When creating your Quinceañera Invitations, it is essential to include the basic Who, What, When, and Where of your festivities along with a few personal elements to showcase the young lady of the day.
Photos by: Precious Pink Invitaciones de Quinceañera, Elizabeth St John Couture, Quinceanera Princess Tiara Custom Banner, Rose Ball Candle in Gift Box, Quinceañera Pearl Book Invitations, Advantage Bridal, Wedding Favors, April Foster Events
Who
The Who of your Invitaciones de Quinceañera must include the name of the Quinceañera (of course,) as well as the names of the party hosts (usually the parents,) and the names of the Quinceañera’s court members. Read more »
Are you looking for the perfect theme for your Quinceañera?
In our last post, we discussed the history and origins of the Quinceañera. Now let’s talk about the party itself. In many ways like a wedding, the Quinceañera is often planned with a particular theme in mind. Choosing a theme helps add balance to the party, ensuring a unified ambiance to the festivities. There are a variety of themes to choose from when planning a Quinceañera. These are just a few…
Fairy Tale Themed Quinceañera
Because the Quinceañera celebrates the transition from childhood to womanhood, the fairy tale themed Quinceañera is one of the most common. While on the cusp of womanhood, many 15 year old girls still cling to the fairy tale dreams of their youth. Tiaras, frothy pink princess-style dresses, and candle lighting ceremonies are common elements of the average fairy tale themed Quinceañera. Read more »
The History and Origins of the Quinceañera
In our last post on the Quinceañera, we answered the question, “What is a Quinceañera anyway?” Today we’ll explore the history and origins of the Quinceañera. So, let’s start with the word, “Quinceañera” itself. According to Voices, the Journal of New York Folklore, “The Quinceaños, or la fiesta Quinceañera, is a rite of passage for fifteen-year-old Latina girls.” The word, “Quinceañera,” is derived from the Spanish words, “quince,” or “fifteen,” and “años,” meaning “years.”
Photos by: Quinceanera Butterfly Cake Topper, Pink Purity Quinceañera Invitations, Chandelier Frosted-Glass Tealight Holder Favors, Renaissance Studios Photography, Quinceanera Fashionista Table Runner, White Dyeable Shoes, Piper Warlick Photography
But where did the modern Quinceañera spectacular originate? What is the history of the Quinceañera? While some attribute the origins of the Quinceañera to the ancient customs of the Aztecs, the basic ceremony and meaning have been replicated in a variety of cultural initiation rites around the world. Some even attribute the tradition to similar court practices originating in France, Austria, and other European aristocracies. Read more »
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