LA QUINCEAÑERA

1. LA QUINCEAÑERA A transition into adulthood

2. La Invitación • LESHYRAM GONZALE • Ceremony , 1/24/2007, 1:00:00 PM • Reception:4720 Emerald Forrest way Orlando, Florida 32811 1/24/2007, 7:00:00 PM • Highlights: Slippers Exchange, Crowning, First Waltz, Toast, Musical Show, Cake, Banquet, Dance. • Oración ó Mensaje:Hoy le doy gracias a Dios Primero que nada por darme una hija tan especial que hoy cumple sus quince años y deja de ser niña para ser mujer. Que el camino que te falta por correr sea tan bonito como hasta hoy. FELICIDADES • Sentence or message: • Today I give thanks to God first for giving me such a special daughter that is turning 15 today and is no longer a girl but a woman. I hope that the rest of life that is left for her to live is as wonderful as today.

3. What is a Quinceañera? • A Quinceañera is a tradition that celebrates a girl’s 15th birthday. • The celebration introduces a girl into society. It’s like her coming out party. She is now a woman and can prepare for her future.

4. History of the Tradition • This tradition was practiced by Aztecs Indians for hundreds of years. • The Spanish Conquistadores observed the celebration and adopted it. • Why? -----To convert the indians to Christianity.

5. History of the Celebration • The Spaniards replaced the Altar ceremony of the Aztecs with a Christian church ceremony. • Aztec Dance became the waltz.

6. Tradition In the tradition, there is a church service and an extravagant party. A girl must choose God parents, who will help pay for the party. A girl must also have 7 Maids or Damas. They represent her 14 years of life. A girl must also have 7 Chamberlain or Chambelanes. (escorts that will help walk the girls)

7. Tradition……Items the girl must have: (Some items have special significance) • ”El vestido”--- The Dress • Worn by the girl for her introduction to society.

8. Tradition: Items needed • - Corona- Tiarra – ---Symbolizes a princess before God who is able to face future challenges. Also, means the crown of life the bible promises to faithful Christians. • El anillo -Ring ----Representing the unending circle of life. Representing the unending emergence and contributions of a young woman to society. • La Cruz ----Cross ------Signifies her faith in God, herself and the World.

9. Traditions: Items Needed • La Biblia---Bible ---To help her keep the word of God. • El Setro -Scepter ---Symbolizes authority and responsibility of her life. • Ramo de Flores- -----Flower Bouquet Signifies life and its and offering to God. • Pastel----- ----Cake

10. Traditions: Items… • La Última Muñeca--The last doll ----Means the end of her childhood. • Libro de Invitados--Guest book • El Album de Fotos-Photo album • La almohada-Kneeling pillow --The pillow she will use to kneel in church.

11. La Fiesta de Quinceañera • In Mexico, the night before her birthday, the girl is serenated. • Also, before a girl can have her birthday mass and party she must have made her first communion.

12. The girl starts her day by attending a mass in her honor. She sits in the front of the altar. Gifts like the cross, ring, bible and rosary are blessed by the priest. La Misa- The Mass

13. La Misa: The Mass • At the end of the ceremony, the girl places her bouquet on the altar to honor the virgin Mary.

14. La Fiesta • After mass, the girl enters her party. • Guests fill up the hall. The 7 damas and chambelanes are introduced. Then, the Quinceañera is introduced. She walks in with her father. • Her father sits her in a throne and changes her flat shoes to heels. • Signifies her transition from girl to woman.

15. La Fiesta Los Chambelanes Las Damas

16. La Fiesta • The mother changes her head piece for the tiara. • The party begins with a waltz danced with her father and then her chambelan. • The girl gives her doll to her youngest sister or friend. • There is a cake lighting ceremony.