The tradition of quinceanera, although very popular nowadays, is deeply rooted in the past. According to historians, these practices were held as far back as the 500 BC. It is the Aztecs that were responsible for introducing these celebrations.
As you can probably guess, the name of these celebrations is not English by origin. It actually comes from Spanish and stands for the following: quince means 'fifteen', while anera stands for 'years'. So, given the purpose of these celebrations, it might be said that the whole term stands for 'girl's coming of age'.
Even despite the fact that the quinceanera was primarily not a Christian tradition, nowadays the whole celebration starts in a church, where a Mass of Thanksgiving is held. This part of the quinceanera event is hugely symbolic. The girl that just turned fifteen, is supposed to occupy a special, honor place, which is located closely to the altar. She is accompanied not only by her family but also by fourteen other girls. This group is composed of girls of approximately the same age, as the one that celebrates her birthday (meaning, close to fifteen.) Each of the girls (referred to as damas) is accompanied by a chamberlain. The number fourteen is of huge significance here, as each of the girls is supposed to symbolize every year in the life of the one that celebrates her quinceanera. During the mass, the girl that just came of age is supposed to reaffirm the baptismal vows. In short, she needs to confirm what her parents vowed to do during her baptism, when she was a child.
Regardless of the fact that the whole ceremony takes place at a church, the celebrations consist of various other elements, that are not directly related to religion. For instance, during the quinceanera, the girl is supposed to dance with her father and this very part of the celebration is of huge significance. Traditionally, it symbolizes the fact that the girl has finally reached adulthood, so she needs to be treated as a lady. Hence, the dance part.
Needless to say, entering adulthood is a serious part of everyone's life. Hence, the whole ceremony indeed looks very seriously. The fourteen girls accompanying the quinceanera are supposed to put on dresses that might resemble the ones worn by bridesmaid. At the same time, the chamberlains have to wear tuxedos. And the girls that celebrates her fifteenth birthday is supposed to put on an elegant gown too. According to the tradition, the quinceanera dress should be pink. Nowadays, however, these outfits come in all colors, so that every one might choose what really suits them. In addition, the girl celebrating her birthday adorns her outfit with various accessories. So, a quinceanera dress is usually accompanied with a ring or a bouquet.
Jane Jills is a fashion writer, with a keen interest in quinceanera dresses. Her own quinceanera dress was hand made by her grandmother.