La tradición de la quinceañera - Terri Schneider

 The 15th birthday celebration of a young, Mexican woman or la quinceañera is one still of utmost importance for today’s Mexican adolescents. 

"La ultima muñeca"

Having its history in ancient Aztec culture, this tradition still pertains to the young generation of today even within the United States. After interviewing a young woman from the North Augusta area about her experience of her quinceañera , it was made clear that there are many traditions saturated with symbolism that give this celebration a more significant purpose. This includes the giving of "la ultima muñeca" (the last doll) from her father, the  choreographed surprise dance with her "chambelanes" (chamberlains) and/or "damas" (dames), and the exchanging of her tiara for a crown as well as her flat shoes for high heels. Despite the fact that a majority of the non-Hispanic population of the United States hasn’t ever heard of this rite of passage, the Mexican-American communities all across the nation are aware and care. The cost of this celebration does cost a pretty penny/peso, so $10,000 is not an uncommon site for the family of la quinceañera . While this amount is shocking to the average American who isn’t spending that sort of money on a fifteen-year-old girl in one place, for the average Mexican/Mexican-American the burden of cost will generally be made lighter with well advanced planning and help from extended family and friends as the Hispanic population is accustomed to the idea of community contribution.

La quinceañera and her "chambelanes"

I intend to uncover the symbolism behind the various things and actions that are seen throughout the birthday celebration. I will approach this subject using the functionalist theory and reflect upon the obvious collective effervescence that insures a purpose for these coming-of-age events.