history of quinceanera

The history of Quinceanera dates back centuries in the Americans to the pre Columbian time. Which covers the fifteenth and sixteenth century. The Quinceanera is the celebration of when a female child makes her transistion to a young woman dates back centuries from the Meso America culture through the different cultural influences of Latina America.

There has been a lot of writings about the history of Quinceanera about the Aztec people in Mexico. The Aztec's had a very difficult life. Since the information has been collected over the years one can't tell how much is folklore and what's the real facts. One must realize there was no method of recording events then. The method was usually handed down from one generation to another through stories and pictures. Very different than we have had in the last 200 years. Therefore there might be some information contained in this report that differs from other information found on the Internet or written in books.

Prior to 1521, when the Spanish conquered the Aztecs, women were not treated with equality. They were looked upon the woman for their value of having children. The woman was trained in the areas that was important for survival in their daily life. The skills taught by their elder women in the community; was cooking, weaving and skills for daily household chores. This is the source of the history of the Quinceanera which commenced with the training to prepare the girl her life.

After the conquest of the Spaniards in South America both cultures were combined. The lavash coming-out balls that were celebrated in Europe was a major influence in the tradition of today's history of Quinceanera Celebration.

When a girl reached the age of 15 she had to make the decision to pledge her life to the church or marry. She was presented to the community at a special ceremony in church for making her transition from a child to a woman. After the church mass their was a party for her family and the community. Most of the fiesta's for her Quinceanera were held on the farm or at a town hall. Her special Quinceanera dress/gown was handmade usually by a family member.

The Quinceanera tradition of having sponsors contributing to the Quinceanera for all areas of the Quince special celebration, has been handed down from one generation to another.

The Quinceanera's parents invite close members of the family and special friends to sponsor an area or item for their daughter's special Quinceanera ceremony. Most often the Quinceanera's Godparents, are named: Madrina and Padrina. In the Hispanic culture this tradition is considered an honor for Godparents to participate in their Goddaughters special Coming-of-Age ceremony.

A link to more information regarding the history of Quinceanera and traditions - click here.

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