http://www.quinceanera-boutique.com/quinceaneratradition.htm 1) When is the quinceañera celebrated? 2) What does the quinceañera tradition typically begin with? 3) Who might a girl have in her Court of Honor? What are the young woman/ young men called

### Part 1: Questions and Answers 1. **When is the quinceañera celebrated?** - The quinceañera is celebrated when a girl turns 15 years old. 2. **What does the quinceañera tradition typically begin with?** - The quinceañera tradition typically begins with a religious ceremony, often a Catholic Mass, where the girl is blessed and gives thanks. 3. **Who might a girl have in her Court of Honor? What are the young women/young men called?** - A girl may have friends and family in her Court of Honor. The young women are often called "Damas," and the young men are referred to as "Chambelanes." 4. **As part of the ceremony, what does the birthday girl change? What does this symbolize? Who changes this for the girl?** - During the ceremony, the birthday girl changes from flat shoes to high-heeled shoes. This symbolizes her transition from girlhood to womanhood. Typically, her father or a significant male figure changes the shoes for her. 5. **What is the toast at the reception called?** - The toast at the reception is often called the "brindis." 6. **What are 5 typical gifts that are given to the quinceañera?** - Typical gifts for the quinceañera include jewelry, money, religious items (like a rosary), clothes, and party favors. 7. **What traditions or ceremonies in the United States that we celebrate are like that of the quinceañera?** - Similar traditions in the United States include sweet sixteen parties, debutante balls, and high school graduations. 8. **Who are the padrinos?** - The padrinos are sponsors or godparents who help with the costs and planning of the quinceañera celebration and often have a special role in the ceremony. 9. **What are bolos?** - Bolo refers to decorative ribbons or cords that are often given to guests during the celebration, symbolizing good wishes and blessings for the birthday girl. 10. **What ancient civilization did the quinceañera originate from?** - The quinceañera originated from the ancient Aztecs. 11. **This article says some girls can opt for a viaje (trip) instead of the traditional party. If you had the choice, which would you choose to celebrate your birthday? Why? If you would pick the trip, where would you go?** - (This answer would be personal; you would provide your own choice based on your preferences.) 12. **Quinceañeras date back to ancient Aztecs. Why was the age 15 so important for girls?** - The age 15 was significant because it marked the transition from childhood to adulthood, where girls were prepared for their roles in society, including marriage and family. 13. **What does the article say might have influenced the debutante aspects of what is now the traditional quinceañera?** - The traditional quinceañera has been influenced by debutante balls and similar coming-of-age celebrations, particularly in colonial Spanish culture and later interactions with other cultures in the U.S. 14. **How much money does the quinceañera industry generate in the United States each year? Why might that number be so high?** - The quinceañera industry generates billions of dollars each year due to the elaborate nature of the celebrations, which may include venues, dresses, catering, and other expenses. 15. **What problem does the Catholic Church seem to have with the quinceañera celebrations?** - The Catholic Church sometimes struggles with the commercialization of the quinceañera celebration, feeling that it may overshadow the spiritual aspect of the rite. ### Part 2: Planning a Quinceañera 1. Set a budget for the celebration. 2. Choose a date and venue for the event. 3. Compile a guest list. 4. Select a theme for the party. 5. Book a photographer and videographer. 6. Arrange for a caterer or plan the menu. 7. Choose a dress for the quinceañera. 8. Select a band or DJ for entertainment. 9. Plan decorations and party favors. 10. Order invitations and send them out. ### Part 3: Rite of Passage A "Rite of Passage" is a ceremony or event that marks an important transitional period in a person's life, often signifying their movement from one stage of development to another. In many cultures, these rites help individuals navigate major life stages, such as coming of age, marriage, or the transition to adulthood. In our culture, one common Rite of Passage is the high school graduation ceremony. This event represents the culmination of years of education, independence, and personal growth. It is a moment that celebrates the achievements of the students while looking forward to their future endeavors, be it higher education or entering the workforce. The graduation ceremony brings together family and friends, reinforcing social bonds and marking the significance of this transition in life.