Each culture has events unique to its people, which are then passed down from generation to generation. In Spanish culture, there is a distinct celebration of coming of age for young women. This party, a Quinceañera, is not just a religious event but a rite of passage that requires months of preparation. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay This event is not just a party, there is a ceremonial aspect in which the honoree reaffirms her faith. The Quinceañera is defined as 'the celebration of a girl's fifteenth birthday, marking her transition from adolescence to womanhood; the term is also used to indicate the celebrant herself". The origin of Quinceañeras is difficult, if not impossible, to trace. However, it is said that it began as "a pre-Hispanic Aztec custom that dates back to 500 BC and was used by priests in the Christianization of the Indians in the same way that other indigenous customs mixed with Catholic religious holidays." Over the centuries, this Aztec custom accepted changes and slowly merged into what is now known as Quinceañeras, starting with an extravagant dance. In previous years, the celebrations were only organized by those who were wealthy enough to celebrate. Wealthy Latin Americans carried on the tradition of introducing young women to marry promising men at a party called "debutante balls." It slowly began to grow in popularity and soon reached the lower middle classes where it was accepted as part of their culture. Over the years they modified it to include their own customs and way of celebrating. It was reported that in 1930 there were quinces celebrated by Latins. In the 70s and 80s the celebration was the ceremony we have now. Combining "debutante dances" and Aztec rituals, the result was a religious coming of age ceremony. Additionally, months before the ceremony, both the honoree and the chosen members of the court are required by the church to attend several religious training courses. classes. This is because when this event originated, it was still classified with the process of offers of young women to promising men. The only way the Roman Catholic Church agreed to take part in this event was to require all teenage members to understand the religious aspects of the ceremony and to make it clear that the event was to honor the young woman before God, not to push her into it. please, men. Once this is complete, the family can set the date of the misa, or mass, specifically for the Quinceañera. It begins with the entrance of friends and family, followed by the godfathers (sponsors) and then the fourteen members of the court. Finally, the honoree enters, escorted by her chambelan de honor and/or her parents. It is understandable that a celebration of this scale and importance requires extensive planning and resources. Since the cost of items tends to increase rapidly, the celebrant's family and friends help defray some of the expenses. Those who choose or agree to contribute receive the title of godfathers. The male sponsors are the godfathers and the female sponsors are the godmothers. Since they take part in such an important event, they are usually exceptionally close family friends or blood relatives. They are intended to guide the young woman through the next part of her life and begin by putting together the ceremony that begins the new phase. The participation of the Godparents of the Baptism is also expected, who will be responsible for the eventcost of the dress. All other items, which may include food, cake, shoes, jewelry, music, to name a few, can be assigned a godparent. The godfathers de honor are those who contribute significantly to the expenses of the celebration. They are usually listed in the invitations and progression of both the ceremony and reception. They are also encouraged to toast the new chapter in life. While the godfathers sponsor some items for the party, there are items used in the celebration. There are various specific objects used throughout the day that represent many traditions carried on in Hispanic culture; one of them is the Bible. The quinceañera receives the Bible as a reminder to learn God's words. Along with it, they accept a prayer book to continue learning and expanding their faith. Finally, the third object is a rosary. This has been accepted as a prayer tool and is being donated for use along with the other two items. Small gifts with a huge amount of meaning and symbolism continue to be received by the quinceañera throughout the day. As young people, going to a quinceañera brought great anticipation for their day. Back then, the religious and traditional aspects may not have been understood, but they wanted to be a “princess” in a big, pretty dress. A scepter is an object of power generally used by royalty. In a quince, the cumpleañera receives this object as a symbol of the power it gains in the religious community. It can also symbolize the responsibility to participate in important rituals and events in the Church. Although this object is one of the most symbolic objects of the day, it is certainly not the last. Slightly less significant, something that can be provided by a godfather are cojines. These small cushions are used to place the tiara, heels and scepter. There is also a moment during the mass when you are required to kneel and a cojin is purchased specifically for that moment. These are usually purchased or made into a matching set decorated with lace, ribbon or, depending on the family, may be decorated by hand. Not only is the ceremony a traditional event containing many different pieces, but the reception afterward is equally complex. While the ceremony and reception are memorable, this is an event passed down through many generations. Among the main events of the day, most families chose to document the event in the form of images. Quinceañeras vary due to each person's unique taste. Some are modest in size while others reach the same expense as a wedding. The location where it takes place can vary: from the celebrant's home to a ballroom. No matter how grand the celebration, the meaning and tradition, the transition to adulthood, remains valid. With modern technology, families now have the opportunity to capture this milestone forever. Professional photographers tend to be a large expense which usually tends to require a godfather. After the ceremony, the honoree and members of the court board a vehicle of her choice, most choosing a limousine, and travel to a previously selected location to take photos. The photographer then takes photos of the court in addition to taking photos of the invitations, the quinceañera and his family, and continues to capture the special moments on video throughout the day. While the honoree and her entourage finish taking photos, the guest takes advantage of this time to socialize and meet the family. As family members take the opportunity to relax before the evening's events, mementos (small souvenir gifts) are distributed, usually by a younger cousin..