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Home Page
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Symbols
of the Rituals
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Medal:
Represents
the expression of religious faith. The fifteen year old is placed under the
protection of the Virgin or of the Saint whose image is on the medal.
Bracelet: Represents God’s never ending love to the young lady
Ring:
A
symbol of the responsibility accepted by the young lady which
unites her with God and with the community.
Crown:
Represents
victory. It is a sign that the young lady is learning how to live a
Christian life, and places her trust in God as she faces some of life’s
fears, problems and temptation which surround her
Flowers: Represent new
life and the young lady’s gratitude to God for the gift of her 15 years of
life. They also represent her desire to grow in her faith and to add to the
world her own special gift of life. She presents flowers to the Virgin Mary
asking for guidance in her life.
Bible
& Rosary:
Represent her dedication to her faith and her promise to live her life in
keeping with the Word of God.
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Send us your
St Willebrord Quinceañera
pictures and we'll post them on our website.
Send to: info@stwillys.org
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A bit of history of the Quinceañera Celebration
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Preparation
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St.
Willebrord Parish has been blessed with the presence of enthusiastic
teen-aged girls, many of whom at the age of 14,
join the Quinceañera Preparation Group.
They come together at least four or five times to learn about the traditions,
to discuss topics that relate to their lives and concerns and to do service
projects.
Several “new” traditions have developed from this fluid group: the custom
of Quinceañeras participating, in full dress, in
the Youth Mass in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe in the December after
their celebration; a special meal with all their families on Mothers’ Day
weekend
Requirements
Reserving a choir
Take a Quiz
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The
Mexican people have many of their roots in the Mayan and Aztecan
traditions. These were the inhabitants
of Mexico before the
Spaniards came from Spain
some centuries ago and captured much of Mexico. They ruled the country for a long time
until the Mexicans recaptured their country in wars of independence.
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However over the centuries the Spaniards and Mexicans intermarried and thus
was formed the Mestizo, a cross between the Spanish
and Mexican. However, there still are
some states that are largely indigenous.
The majority of the Spaniards were Catholics and the missionaries
tried to maintain some of the traditions but with more of a religious
significance.
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One
of these was the celebration of Quince Años, ( 15th
birthday). In the old tradition this
was a time to celebrate the quinceañera becoming a woman.
She was now ready for marriage, to have children and be a woman in
their society. This celebration was
given religious significance in so far as she can now take responsibility for
her spiritual life.
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Certainly, in almost all cases a girl of 15 years is not ready for marriage nor to have children nor to be a responsible wife and
mother. However, she can take
responsibility for her spiritual life which was promised at Baptism through
her parents and Godparents.
So an
important part of the celebration of Quince Años is for the young girl to renew her
baptismal promises. Her parents and
godparents also testify that she practices her faith and is a good example in
the home.
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The quinceañera
also dedicates herself to the Blessed Mother who is very special to the
Hispanic people.
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For
the celebration there are other boys and girls (damas
and chambelanes) of approximately the same age who
accompany her.
At the
Mass she is presented with some gifts such as a crown, a ring, a bracelet, ear
rings, a pillow on which to kneel, a doll emphasizing that she now is growing
up, a prayer book and rosary, and flowers to be offered to the Lady of
Guadalupe.
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At times a young girl will receive all
these gifts, at other times only some of them. These are all presented by padrinos which would be other forms of godparents.
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After the Mass they usually have a fiesta at some hall with food.
There are also special dances which the damas and chambelanes do with the quinceañera.
There are also other padrinos who might sponsor the
music, the food, the hall, the Mass, etc.
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We always emphasize the religious significance of the day. The girls are also required to attend some
classes in preparation for the celebration which also emphasize the religious
importance as well as addressing difficulties encountered by youth of that
age. Most often the boys and girls get
caught up in the celebration, dancing, etc., but I also emphasize that it is
important to keep their customs and traditions.
Other
Hispanic countries also celebrate Quince Años but very often with different customs.
For
scheduling information, see the Requirements page or please contact
St Willebrord Parish. info@stwillys.org
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