The Quinceañera
The transition from girl to womean is celebrated in different ways and
at different ages in the world. In Mexico, it has very unique roots and
it is celebrated when girls turn 15. It does not necessarily means that
the girls are ready for marriage as many foreign to the tradition suggest.
A closer approach is that the girls can now participate as adults in appropriate
social events. It is actually a Thanks Action and preparation for the
new challenges.
The term Quinceañera may refer to the girl turning 15 or to the celebration
in her honour, either the religious or social events or both.
The Quinceañera is a highly Catholic tradition although it is celebrated
in other Christian churches too. It is almost given that were the Spanish
Conquerors who brought the tradition to Mexico. In reality, the celebration
as is today, is a Christian adaptation of the Aztec Ceremony of Woman.
Even before of the Spanish Conquest, the Aztecs celebrated their girls
when reached womanhood. In such ceremony, other than the banquet and
religious presentation, the mothers gave advice to their daughters exhorting
them for good behaviour. The Conquerors took the pagan celebration converting
it to Chrisitanism as they did with other ceremonies in an effort to
Catholizing the Aztec people. The Aztec dance was replaced by a Waltz
and the temple by the Christian altar.
The Quinceañera may or may not include a reception, banquet and dance
but the really important part is the Thanks Action Mass.
The Mass
The Mass or presentation on the temple is a Thanks Action and a preparation
for the new challenges of the girl that is almost a woman. The Dress,
bouquet, the crown, the ring and other accessories have a special significance.
The celebrated girl sits in a honour seat near the altar. She can be
accompanied by up to 14 Maids (representing her first 14 years) with
their respective Chamberlains. A Honour Chamberlain (escort) also accompanies
the Quinceañera. her Maids are pick among other girls that recently
turned 15 or are close to.
The Thanks Prayer and the Blessing of the gifts during the Mass and
the Eucharist are the culmination of the Mass. Nonetheless, nothing
equals the emotive moment in which the girl gives a flowers bouquet
to Virgin Mary, most likely to Our Lady of Guadeloupe. According to
the family's wealth, The dress can be more simple or sophisticated but
it is always special in pastel colours. White is utilized as Dress colour
in the United States but in Mexico, such is reserved for the bride in
weddings. The rest of accessories must match the dress colour and decoration.
The Reception
After the Mass, a reception is held that includes a banquet and a dance
in honour of the Quinceañera. Other options ate a Trip or on an more
American style, the gift of a Car. Since the Trip or a Car can be given
at any other occasion, Most girls opt for a Quinceañera Reception, which
is a once in a life time event.
The Piñata
Mexican children generally have a piñata for their birthdays. A Quinceañera
has her last Piñata on her fifteen. This is optional since in the origins,
the Piñata was utilized in other religious ceremonies. The incorporation
of the Piñata to the birthdays is a modern tradition.
The Banquet
The banquette is based on traditional Mexican food and can be as simple
or sophisticated according to the family's wealth. This is where we
The Venetian Palace Banquet Hall come into the picture, we a the best
fit for anyone planing a Quinceanera in the San Fernando Valley, if
you are looking for a banquet hall for a Quinceanera in Reseda, Quinceanera
in Canoga Park, Quinceanera in Winnetka, Quinceanera in Pacoima, Quinceanera
Panarama City, Quinceanera in Van Nuys, Quinceanera in Los Angeles,
we are a great fit, because of our central location. If you find yourself
saying I'm looking for a place to hold my Quinceanera some where in
the valley, than you have found the perfect place.
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