Quinceanera A Quinceanera is a celebration of a girl’s coming of age on her 15 th or 16 th birthday. It is celebrated by members of the Hispanic Community in countries around the world. The most important part of the celebration is a Church service. During the Mass, the girl receives a sacred medal of her saint, a birthstone ring, a crown and flowers. The Mass is usually followed by a party or a journey. Overseas trips were once very popular but more young women are now choosing to have a dance party. The culminating moment of the party is often a formal dance with an escort. Clothing, Accessories and Symbols The girl wears a dress similar to a wedding dress in white or pink. She may also wear a tiara and carry a cross and/or a sceptre. The sacred medal symbolises the girl’s religious expression of faith. She is placed under the protection of the saint represented by the image on the medal. The ring represents the ties and the responsibility the young lady has to her community. These two pieces of jewellery are the girl's first adult jewelry, constant reminders that she is no longer a child The crown symbolises her victory in trying to live a Christian life in spite of all the problems and challenges of her environment. The flowers represent the new commitment she makes to responsibility in her community. Traditions Some interesting traditions associated with Quinceanera include: Shoes – a girl wears flat shoes and then changes into heels to mark her becoming a woman Last Doll – a girl is given a doll to symbolise her last thing as a child. She will now focus on objects as a Titles – a girl is called nina (girl) before the ceremony and senorita (miss) after the ceremony. Origins It is thought that The Aztecs, Mayas and Toltecs celebrated rites of passage for young men and women. During the Aztec period, women were treated as second- class citizens, unimportant, and only available for bearing children and obeying their husband. Hence, young females were taught by elder women to learn the skills the girls need to know for the rest of their lives. Such skills include housework, cooking, and weaving. Most girls married at age sixteen. Quinceanera is celebrated by Hispanic communities world wide. Spanish speaking countries are where the practice is most common. Spanish speaking countries Participants The quinceañera and fifteen young men and women of her choice are joined by members of her family and friends for the celebration. The who prays the blessing over the young woman. The local community is also encouraged to gather for the celebration. Positive aspects of Celebration Brings family and community together Celebrates the role of a female in society Keeps tradition alive Negative aspects of Celebration Can become extravagant and expensive and lose true meaning No longer relevant as women do not get married at 15 Why Celebrate Quinceanera? People wish to celebrate the transition to womanhood and reaffirm a commitment to God, family and the community.

Sources Comparison with My Coming of Age

Questions 1. What is a rite of passage? Give examples and descriptions. Poster Introduction –What is the coming of age rite of passage? –How is it defined and celebrated? –Why is it celebrated? Who are the participants? Where is it celebrated? Include a map with key What is the origin? Are there any special symbols, clothing or gifts associated with the celebration? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the celebration? What changes as the result of this rite of passage? 3. Compare and contrast to your own “coming of age” Venn diagram 4. Include sources used and your note taking (graphic organiser)