The customs from our ancestors tells the story of the Quinceanera history and traditions. It is very interesting to study the history of a culture. You can learn so much how every generation has been influenced from the prior generation. Once you know the history of the Quinceanera and Quinceanera traditions it’s interesting to compare present day celebrations to the past and compare the differences. The Latino culture has been a melding of many cultures over time. Not too different than the United States. However, the Latino people were brought up to appreciate the community. The community was their expanded family.

Many people who aren’t from the same background don’t understand the importance of holding onto the Latino culture. It doesn’t mean that we don’t embrace the American culture, but we don’t want to forget our past.

Read and study about the history of the Quinceanera celebration and then you can make a better decision of what’s important to you and your family. There have been many influences over the years regarding the celebration and ceremony for the Latina girl when she and her family celebrated her rite of passage at the age of fifteen.

The Quinceanera history has been modified in many areas as society and the needs of the Latino famiy has changed. However the area that has not changed if the family sponsorship of the Quinceanera celebration.

Today as in the past everyone in the community was involved in the celebration of the Quinceanera’s rite of passage ceremony. The Quinceanera’s family and God Parents, were honored to participate in her blessed ceremony. Today many families also include the Madrinas and Padrinas in the the blessings of the special Quinceanera Ceremony.

The tradition of expressing being grateful for the generosity of her sponsors of her very important celebration can be and as been acknowledged in many different ways. It’s most important to included the people who have made an important difference in your life as you celebrate your rite of passage ceremony.

Sponsors are most often listed on the invitation that’s sent to the invited guests.

As early as the 1200’s the Latina Quince tradition is recorded in history. It was recorded in Latino history the Latina girl celebrated her rite of passage at the age of fifteen. She was known as the Quinceanera when she celebrated her coming of age. Everyone in her family and the community participated in her special celebration. She was honored at a special religious mass followed by a large fiesta.

At the mass she was presented to God. This tradition is similar today. It’s still known as a ceremony of Thanksgiving. Everyone including the people of the community attended this special mass. The Quinceanera’s celebration was considered an announcement she was available for marriage.

The Latino coming of age Quinceanera celebration was held on the farm. Everyone’s way of life was very different then. It was very different from how people live their lives today. In the past everyone in the community spent from morning to the evening working the farmland and tending the animals or the family. The Quinceanera’s rite of passage ceremony was a wonderful way to stop and spend special time with family and friends.

The Quinceanera’s gown was hand made by her sponsors and close relatives. All her accessories for her special day was made by hand and as well as were gifts from her sponsors.

A group of woman in the community cooked the special Quinceanera food. These woman enjoyed preparing the Fiesta food for weddings as well as for Quinceanera celebrations. Usually members of the Quinceanera’s family performed the music. The musicians sang the songs they wrote for the Quinceanera’s music at the fiestas. The traditional Marachas dress is similar to what Marachas wear today at Quince celebrations and weddings.

The history of Quinceanera is where the beautiful sharing of joy, love and being thankful for her first fifteen years of life with family and friends at a large celebration came from. The party was attended by her entire family. Her family, God parents, Madrinas and Padrinas, friends and the community all participated in different aspects of her celebration.

la Quinceanera was required to attend special meetings with her Pastor, prior to her special mass. She was also educated in areas that helped her prepare for her oath to God. The Quinceanera’s oath is the same as it is today. It’s her promise to live a life of truth and peace.

Today most churches celebrate their own Quinceanera mass. However, the basic traditions are adhered to in most masses. The traditional Quinceanera’s Corte de Honor usually consists of 14 friends and family members. Today this can vary according to the Quinceanera and her families choice. Most often the Corte is divided equally between boys and girls. Each representing a year of her fifteen years of life. The Quinceanera herself is the extra number added to the Corte of Honor representing each year of the fifteen years of her life.

The Corte of Honor enters the church first and and walk down the aisle. The Corte of honor then sits in their assigned seats. The Quinceanera’s parents then follow her down the aisle. Her parents take their place in the front left seats pews of the church.

The Quinceanera sits in front of the church altar behind the church kneeler. A special chair for the Quinceanera is placed for her to be seated during the mass. Her family members and sponsors who are being honored, usually are asked to read a short selection from the Bible. The Quinceanera recites her prayer of Thanksgiving. The beautful prayer announces her devotion, gratitude and commitment of her service to God.

Many of the same traditions of past are celebrated at the special service today. Most churches include the Quinceanera’s renewal of her Baptismal Vows. During most Catholic services la Quinceanera places a bouquet of flowers to the Statue of Mary. The beautiful song - Ave Maria, usually is played at the close of the mass. The song Ave Maria is often referred to as part of the traditional library of Quinceanera music.

The traditional offering of a floral bouquet by the Quinceanera to the Statue of Mary is her gift of faith, love of Mary and her desire to follow Mary as an example for life.

For more background information can be found in Priscilla Mills book: Quinceanera Connection: Your Dream Celebration On Any Budget.

Sure, it’s my dress, my hair and my make up, but what really counts is how I feel about myself. I just started a ‘eating right diet’. I thought about it and decided I needed to change my diet. Not to get rid of any pounds, but to clear up my skin.

I cut out candy, all kinds of soda, fries and greasy food. Do you know, I feel better already. I get up in the morning, before my mom calls me to get out of bed. My times have improved on my track team.

Oh, I forgot to tell you I started to drink more water also. Would you believe my skin is looking better too . It didn’t take much to make the changes in my eating habits. After a few days or so, from when I decided to make the changes too my diet, it was easy. The only thing is when I go with some of my friends to a fast food place, I might hold my nose, so I don’t smell the fries cooking. Do you know that we can become addicted to the smell of frying cooking oil. (check that fact out on the internet-you’ll be surprised).

I thought my girl friends would make fun of me. That’s not what happened. They’re now changing their diet also. So, it’s much easier for all of us. In fact we are trying to come up with a name for our group. Got any ideas??

I also got myself a present for doing so well. I picked out the heart locket, the guardian angel charm, plus my birthstone. The heart and charms remind me I am doing a good job following my commitment to stay on my ‘eat right diet’.

Too feeling good and looking great…for your Quinceanera Celebration and every other day of your life.
Your friend,

Ilene

Lately I’ve been hearing from some of the girls at school who are planning their
Quinceanera celebration, it’s all about their dress and the color theme of their party.

Wait a minute…they are missing out on the most important reason why this is such a special day in their lives. It’s not the color of their dress and the color of the party favors. It’s the tradition that is being carried from our ancestors. The celebration of your fifteen years and being grateful for all you have.

It’s the day of celebration of taking your first step from a girl to a young woman. It’s the sharing with your parents, friends and family the happiness of your Quinceanera celebration.

Take a minute and think about all you have and where you are going as you celebrate your special day of being recognized as a young woman in the eyes of God. The different choices you have today than your ancestors had centuries ago.

Be grateful for all your parents and sponsors are giving you and look beyond to help someone less fortunate.

For sure your day will be more meaningful then. Your choosing the perfect color for your Quinceanera dress is important. But so is the importance of celebrating the Quinceanera tradition.

Let me know how you feel. Thanks for sharing.

Your friend,

Ilene

One of my friends Sarah, liked this boy named Mike. She liked him for a couple of months. All she would think about was him. He was one of her escorts in her Corte de Honor for her Quinceanera.

It seemed he liked her then, but she wasn’t sure. It turns out that Mike asked her out to the school dance. At the dance they had a great time and everything went well. Sarah thought that after that they would become close friends and eventually they would become a couple.

But, a couple of days after the dance, she began to worry because he wouldn’t talk to her. He wouldn’t ignore her, but he never really made any effort to just go up to talk to her.

A couple of weeks later, she just wanted to give up on him. She even told me, she thought Mike was a jerk. That same day her mom, who is Mike’s mom’s good friend told her Mike was going through a lot of emotional problems with his dad.

All the time Sarah thought that he was a jerk. She was really wrong. Because, Mike was having major personal problems with his dad.

This taught me a lesson of making sure what the problem is. Before, deciding to call someone names and assuming that something different is going on.

Have you had a problem like my friend? Thinking that it’s me and not thinking the other person could be having problems in his/her life?

Let me hear from you.

Your friend,

Ilene

Gossip: talking ‘trash’ about the popular girls. As I’m walking down the halls of my high school, I hear it everywhere…’ohm mm…guess what so and so did?’ I ask myself, why is all of this necessary? Why do people have to be talked about? I know most of us are guilty of it, but how can it be stopped. It makes me sick.

The real question is, how can it be stopped? I think there are several solutions for stopping this crazy trashy talk:

• First of all, if you don’t want to be talked about in a dirty bad way, don’t do anything that will give them anything to gossip about you.
• STOP before you do something and think will your actions be the hottest and latest gossip talk in the halls?
• STOP before you make the wrong choice and think will your action give you the reputation you might not want to have six months from now?

There are many girls who will do anything just to get attention. Most of these girls are sorry later on when it’s tough to change the trashy talk about them.

• If you want to be in the middle of where the action is do something positive.
• If you want to be popular why not run for class president.
• Why not strive for academic achievements.
• Your name will be everywhere, everyone will speak your name, but they won’t be talking ‘dirty’ about you.
• Your name will be connected with good things about you.

The next time you want to talk bad about someone, think if you would want someone to talk bad about you. Think if you would want someone to be saying those things about you. Creating a positive atmosphere is a great goal for a wonderful high school experience.

Unfortunately, many of the girls participating in this gossip are planning their Quinceanea Celebration. They are missing out on what is so important in life as they make the transition from a girl to a young woman, that’s - respect others as you respect yourself.

Your friend,

Ilene

One of my friends had a nice Quinceanera, but there was one problem she wasn’t happy with it. She wasn’t happy because it wasn’t something she wanted. She wanted a nice simple Quince party, but her mom and aunt made it very big and invited a whole lot of people.

Her mom and aunt were basically controlling her Quinceanera. What is the point of having a Quinceanera, if you can’t even choose what you want?

I think if you have your dreams of your quince you should express them to family members and everyone else who is helping you make your event come true. You should let your parents know that there are many ways to create your magical Quince celebration, but it’s necessary to make it how you have dreamed it to be.
You have to understand though, it won’t always be possible to get exactly what you want, but there will always be ways to improvise and make your dreams come true.

Let me hear from you. Are you having the same problem my friend had.

Your friend,

Illene

I just returned from visiting with my extended family in Mexico. It was sad having to leave my cousins and Aunts and Uncles. Life is different in Mexico than it’s here in Los Angeles. There are some things that are easier in everyday life in Mexico. While other things I take for granted I would miss if I lived there.

The most important thing to me is the closeness of the family in Mexico. Everyone is there for everyone else. Everyone shares all the fun times and the sad times. But it doesn’t leave much time to be alone and grow to be the person I want to be.

The advantage is that here I can be free to choose what classes I want to take in school. What college I want to go to after I graduate from high school. My parents want me to do my best, so I can have good happy life and a good career.

Coming home was a little sad knowing that I won’t see most of my family until my Quinceanera celebration. But, I’m happy to be home. Surrounded with all my belongings and knowing I have my own special friends who all have similar goals as I do.

I didn’t write any New Year’s resolutions. Just thought about all the things I’m grateful for.

Have a good one.

Your friend,

Illene

Is there really such things as ‘true friends’? Sometimes we find ourselves in situations where it seems as though we don’t have any friends at all. So what can we do about it? Well! It’s not that simple. First of all, don’t trust everyone, if you have humiliating secrets and you tell someone you consider your friend. Then one day when you have a fight- she uses your secret to embarrass you or even black mail you.

If you have friends who talk to you when they need something, like money. And they aren’t there when you need help, then they really aren’t your friend. Sometimes, I personally call people my friends, but in reality they aren’t.

After much hurt to be my close friend, I must know that I can trust the person. They need to be loyal, helpful and have characteristics that I value as a friend. It’s up to you to decide who are your friends. There are lots of people you can get to know, but there only a few who can actually be your true friend.

You can count on me to be your trusted friend. Share your friendship stories with me.

Ilene

Do you worry that everything is going wrong? Is your Court of Honor having drama? Is your dress too big? Did your DJ back out? Are you so concerned and you hear yourself saying…the kids at school are talking how awful you celebration was? AHHHHHH!!

Well, first calm down. There are solutions to every problem. There are many ways to fix a problem:

If there is a lot of drama between the people in your Court of Honor, try to speak with them. First speak with each on individually. Find out what the problem is. If there is one person who is the cause of the problem. Speak with them. If that doesn’t work you will have to replace the person. One person who is a trouble maker could ruin your celebration. This is why it’s so very important to make sure you know the each person you are inviting to be in your Court. it is best to bring a parent to get involved if you find there is no easy solution.

If your dress is too big, a professional seamstress or professional cleaner or a family member can fit it.

About the DJ, don’t worry, there are hundreds of Disk Jockeys out there, you can always one who probably is even better than the one who backed out. If you can’t find one you can always rent or borrow a stereo system and have someone manage the music.

Most important of all: stop thinking negative. If you think negative thoughts negative things happen.

If you take some deep breaths and exhale and send your worries out to the beyond, good things will start to happen. After you exhale and send your worries to disappear forever-think of the good outcome you want. Feel and think of the good outcome as you take another deep breath. Smile as you hold on to the thoughts of your good outcome.

Priscilla’s book: ‘Quinceanera Connection: Your Dream Celebration On Any Budget’, explains how to do this in much greater detail. The process is wonderful. It works for me all the time.

If you use this process your stress will disappear and you will be able handle everything better. You will be able to relax more easily.

So, in order to have a great Quince and have a great time, and to have fun: think positive and don’t let the worry thoughts control you. Smile and everything will work out.

Leave your comments and let me know if getting rid of stress and worry has helped you.

Your Friend,
Ilene

Almost every girl I have met has been concerned about her weight. I have seen really thin girls saying that they feel fat. I have wondered why would a very thin girl think she is fat. Then I realized this is a eye opener to another problem. It’s really a self esteem problem.

I personally used to be a chubby kid, but once I started middle school and now in high school, I lost that weight. I thought I would be ‘prettier’ once I was skinnier, but honestly, it didn’t really matter.

The people who mean the most to me, see me for who I really am. The real me. The real person from the inside out. The real me who cares about others. The real me who my friends know they can call on me for help. The real me who has good values.

I have proven to myself. Having a ‘nice’ body won’t make you someone more likable, unless you have a positive - happy attitude - personality.

There are many cases in which girls develop eating disorders, just because they want to be ‘pretty’. Well, it’s not pretty to be killing yourself to skinniness. It’s pretty to be someone comfortable with themselves and confident in their own body.

After all you didn’t choose your body and nobody did. So there is no one to blame. You should be happy that you are alive and healthy. “Fat” is something that shouldn’t be on your mind. Eat right- cut out the junk food and sugars. Your skin will look better and you will feel better. Drink water instead of soda. Remember, beauty really comes from the inside - your heart and soul. ‘Smile and everyone will smile with you.’ Be unhappy and you will be alone.

Your smiling friend,

Ilene