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Read each article and answer the questions that can be found in the passage.
Article 1: Quinceañeras
Quinceañeras, or commonly called Quince
Años (Fifteen Years), is one of the most beloved and
precious moments in any young girl’s life. Looking
into the elaborate and exquisite ceremony, one
wonders where it all began, what does it all mean,
and why do Hispanics celebrate Quiceañeras. One
the outside of the ceremony it may seem like just a
very dressed up version of a coming out party or a
Hispanic version of a Sweet Sixteen. However, let’s
look behind the fancy dress and beautiful young girl
and see the history and cultural value of the Quince
años celebration.
The beginning of the Quinceañera begins not with the festivities, as many believe
but in the preparation of the upcoming event. In some families, the planning begins up to
two years in advance of the actual day. During the preparation time, much dreaming and
planning takes place with many friends and more importantly family members involved.
There is much work to be done and many details to be worked on. From planning menus to
choosing an area for the celebration, hours of time are dedicated and spent to ensure that
the Quinceañera has the day of her dreams.
The key components of the traditional Quinceañera celebration are as follows. The
dress of the Quinceañera is one of the most stunning details and traditionally is white
signifying her purity. Pale pink is also a very common and favorite color. The dress is
similar to a wedding dress in its grandeur, yet no train is placed upon a Quinceañera dress,
but all of the splendor and beauty is there. Much like a ball gown and covered in fine lace
and satiny material, the dress of the Quinceañera makes her appear to float as if an angel
upon a cloud.
The Quinceañera begins the celebration with a mass service where she is be
accompanied by her full court, consisting of 14 damas, 14 chambelans, as well as her
personal chambelan (escort) for the evening. During the mass, there are children who act to
place the pillow she will kneel upon at the altar, sprinkle flowers in her path as she makes
her way to the altar. At the end of the ceremony the children pass out bolos or small gifts to
those who attended the mass as the Quinceañera places her bouquet upon the altar of the
for the Virgin Maria.
