
What Does a Godparent Do for a Quinceanera?
- Role in Planning. Godparents may spend months helping prepare for the event. ...
- Sponsors of the Quinceanera. In some Hispanic communities and families, it is the practice for the godparents to sponsor or co-sponsor the quinceanera.
- Formal Gifts for the Ceremony. A kneeling pillow often is among the formal gifts. ...
- At the Celebration. ...
What are Quinceanera’s godparents called?
Nowadays, the Quinceanera’s godparents are refer to as sponsors, which is of terrible taste! Want to know why? Then keep on reading and find out all there is to know about Quince godparents: A sponsor is a person that provides funds for a project carried out by another.
What is a Quinceanera and why celebrate it?
Check out these 6 Quinceanera Traditions: The How & Why Behind the Celebration. A quinceanera—also known as a quince años, or quinces—is a way to embrace religious traditions, the virtues of family, and social responsibility. But most importantly, it’s a celebration of your transformation from a young girl into an adult.
What is the climax of a Quinceanera?
The climax of the festivities is the cutting of a multi-tiered birthday cake, and the guests sing the traditional birthday song, Las Mañanitas, to the birthday girl. The quinceañera is celebrated on a grand scale and often ends up being very costly for the family.
What is the role of a godparent in a child's life?
In all, godparents serve a special role in the life of the baptized person. Therefore, each parent should choose a godparent not just because of a blood relationship or friendship; rather, a godparent should be a trustworthy witness of the faith who will help the godchild attain salvation.

Do the godparents pay for the quinceanera?
The padrino and madrina is a long-standing quinceañera tradition. These are two adults who are selected by the birthday girl and her parents to fill a very important role. They not only help pay for the quinceañera; being asked is also a big honor because it's like being asked to be part of the family.
What kind of godparents do you need for a quinceanera?
Family members, close family friends, and possibly church members will serve as padrinos. There will be Padrinos de Honor, essentially the main padrinos for the event. They will play a role in the quinceanera ceremony, stand with the quinceanera at various times and present the quinceanera with special gifts.
Who are the role players in the quinceanera and what are their duties?
The quinceañera is a celebration of womanhood, family, and community. Not only is the young woman honored for her maturity, but so are her parents and other family members, including her padrinos (godparents). The godparents, mother and father play important roles throughout the ceremony.
Who gives the quinceanera the crown?
Traditionally, the parents of the quinceanera buy her a tiara and scepter as gifts for her special day. These items symbolize the girl's coming of age, maturity, and responsibility. The girl's mother usually presents the crown passing on the torch from one generation of womanhood to another.
Who gives the quinceanera her last doll?
The Quinceanera Doll is also known as The Last Doll. The parents or godparents present the doll to the Quinceanera. She receives this as her last toy of childhood. She is now a young lady.
What is the main chambelan called?
The Role of the Chambelan This group of friends is similar to a bride's wedding party and includes several female friends called damas and male friends called chambelanes. One chambelan has the special privilege of being the chambelan de honor (escort of honor.)
WHAT DOES A Dama do in a quinceañera?
Being a dama or a chambelan is a supporting role in a Quinceanera, but it's also an essential aspect of the ceremony because it represents the friendship shared with the celebrant as she enters womanhood. Attend all the dance rehearsals for the Quinceañera.
What is Quinceanera tradition?
One Quinceanera tradition that has live through the years is asking someone to serve as Quince padrino or/and Quince madrina. The adopted tradition has also been adapted to fit every girl’s needs, and there is nothing wrong with that, however, the meaning behind being a Quinceanera’s padrino and/or madrina has lost its meaning.
Who are the Quince godparents?
The Quince godparents’ tradition states they are responsible for purchasing the items you will need during your mass as this is where they are named officially your padrino and madrina by church.
Can Quince Padrino sponsor?
4) Your Quince padrino can offer to help out financially. Again, they are not sponsors however if they offer to help out with something in your Quince, then it is completely different and it can most definitely be arranged.
Do Quince godparents have sponsors?
1) They are not obligated to pay for your party. A sponsor is a person that provides funds for a project carried out by another. Your Quince godparents are not sponsor s, they are like a second set of parents who love and support you unconditionally.
What is the role of the godparent in baptism?
The role of the godparent for baptism is rooted in the role of the sponsor in the catechumenate, which originated in the early Church. Recall that until the year 313, the Church was under the persecution of the Roman Empire and had to be cautious in conducting its affairs so as to prevent pagan infiltration and persecution.
Why should a parent choose a godparent?
Therefore, each parent should choose a godparent not just because of a blood relationship or friendship; rather, a godparent should be a trustworthy witness of the faith who will help the godchild attain salvation.
What are the sacraments of initiation?
Also, until the Middle Ages, the Sacraments of Initiation — baptism, holy Eucharist, and confirmation — were administered at once. The role of the sponsor then was to attest to the integrity of the person, oftentimes an adult, seeking admission into the Church as well as to assist him during the catechumenate in preparing for these sacraments ...
What happens if you don't fulfill your baptism?
If a person is not striving to fulfill his own obligations of baptism and confirmation, he will not fulfill the responsibilities of helping another to do so. Parents need to find good practicing Catholics for godparents. Sadly, this task can be very difficult in today's world.
Who is the sponsor of baptism?
Traditionally, we identify the sponsor of a child for baptism as the godparent — godmother or godfather, but the technical term remains "sponsor.". According to the Code of Canon Law, "Insofar as possible, one to be baptized is to be given a sponsor who is to assist an adult in Christian initiation, or, together with the parents, ...
Can a Catholic witness to a Catholic?
Likewise, a Catholic can only be a Christian witness for someone who is baptized into another Christian denomination.
Who is Father William Saunders?
The Author. Father William Saunders is pastor of Our Lady of Hope parish in Potomac Falls, Virginia. He is dean of the Notre Dame Graduate School of Christendom College. The above article is a "Straight Answers" column he wrote for the Arlington Catholic Herald.
What is the song that the Quinceanera party sings?
The climax of the festivities is the cutting of a multi-tiered birthday cake, and the guests sing the traditional birthday song, Las Mañanitas, to the birthday girl . The quinceañera is celebrated on a grand scale and often ends up being very costly for the family.
What is the difference between a quinceanera and a debutante ball?
It is somewhat equivalent to a debutante ball, or a coming-out party though these tend to be associated exclusively with the upper class whereas a quinceañera may be celebrated by people of all social strata. In the United States it has traditionally been the sixteenth birthday which is celebrated most extravagantly as the "Sweet Sixteen", ...
What is a 15 year old girl called?
Writing Skills. Grammar. Updated April 22, 2019. In Mexico, a girl who is having her 15th birthday is called a quinceañera. It is a combination of the Spanish words quince "fifteen" and años "years".The term may also be used to refer to a girl's 15th birthday party, although this is more often referred to as a "fiesta de quince años" ...
What is the celebration of Quinceanera?
A quinceañera celebration usually begins with a mass in church ( Misa de Accion de Gracias or "thanksgiving mass") to give thanks for the girl making the transition to a young woman. The girl wears a full-length ball gown in the color of her choice and carries a matching bouquet. Following the mass, the guests repair to a banquet hall where the party will take place, or in rural communities tables, chairs and a tent area may be set up to accommodate the festivities. The party is an extravagant affair that goes on for several hours. Flowers, balloons and decorations matching the birthday girl's dress are ubiquitous. The party will consist of dinner and dancing, but there are also several special traditions that are a part of the celebration though these may vary regionally.The parents, godparents, and often other family members have roles to play in the celebration.
What is the sweet sixteen?
In the United States it has traditionally been the sixteenth birthday which is celebrated most extravagantly as the "Sweet Sixteen", however the custom of the quinceañera is gaining traction in the United States in recent years, particularly among Latino families.
Why is the birthday girl given the last doll?
La última muñeca (the last doll): The birthday girl is presented with a doll which is said to be her last doll because after turning fifteen she will be too old to play with dolls anymore. As part of a ritual she passes the doll on to a sister or other younger family member.
What is the 15th birthday celebration?
This celebration traditionally marks a girl's coming of age and afterwards she is considered a mature person who is ready to assume family and social responsibilities.
What is the Quinceanera tradition?
A quinceanera—also known as a quince años, or quinces—is a way to embrace religious traditions, the virtues of family, and social responsibility. But most importantly, it’s a celebration of your transformation from a young girl into an adult.
What does the last doll mean?
The Last Doll: The doll will traditionally be provided by your father, and may be wearing a similar dress, or sporting a similar hair style as your own. This symbolizes leaving behind your childish possessions, and taking in more mature interests in life and assuming responsibilities.
What is a Quinceanera?
A quinceanera—also known as a quince años, or quinces—is a way to embrace religious traditions, the virtues of family, and social responsibility. But most importantly, it’s a celebration of your transformation from a young girl into an adult. It’s your way of telling the world that you’re leaving behind your childish ways ...
What do high heels symbolize?
High Heels: Normally given to you by your parents, they symbolize your first pair of “adult” shoes. In fact, this gift can take on a ritual all its own: Your parents will remove the flats you’ve been wearing all day, and replace them with the heels.
What does a scepter symbolize?
Scepter: Being given a scepter, and your acceptance of the same, symbolizes your acceptance of the responsibilities that come with being a woman. It also symbolizes authority. You may think that a lot of the traditions are over-the-top, and completely irrelevant at this day and age, but traditions do count for something.
What happens after the Gospel and the Homily?
After the Gospel and the Homily, you will renew your Baptismal promise, and commit yourself to God and the Virgin Mary. In line with becoming an adult, this is your way of owning the promise your parents made for you when you were baptized, and make those vows your own.
What does the Quinceanera pray for?
Now the parents kneel down and pray for their daughter. The Quinceañera will pray and thank God for the new role she will assume. Finally, the Quinceañera thanks her parents and talks about the meaning of her celebration. The priest concludes the ceremony with the final blessing. Main picture by AVM Photo Boutique.
What does the cross symbolize?
The cross symbolizes faith in Christ. Doll: Sometimes the doll is dressed as the Quinceañera and is given to a younger girl. It symbolizes the end of childhood. This is the last doll given during the celebration. Candle: It must be an 18-inch candle and has to be decorated with ribbons and roses that match the dress.
What does the ring represent?
The ring represents the infinite circle of God’s love and has to be worn on the right-hand annular (ring) finger. When the ring is given the Quinceañera may read a verse or sing a song about the promise made to God. The cross symbolizes faith in Christ.
What does the tiara mean in the Bible?
Tiara: It is the crown that the young lady wears to indicate that she is the princess, the daughter of God. The minister will talk about the crowns that are mentioned in the Bible.
What is the origin of the Quinceanera?
The Quinceañera Ceremony. The origins of the Quinceañera ceremony are often attributed to the ancient customs of the Aztecs , but its meaning is similar to the initiation rites practiced by other cultures the world over.
Where do the parents meet the young lady at the altar?
At this moment the mother walks with the candle towards the altar after the Quinceañera has offered the flower bouquet, then both parents meet the young lady at the altar where they light the candle and place it on a candlestick. Now the parents kneel down and pray for their daughter.
What does the watch on a young lady's wrist mean?
Watch: She has to wear it on her left wrist. It indicates the time dedicated to God and also serves as a reminder that God will arrive and that she has to be prepared.
What is the last doll ceremony?
The quinceanera symbolizes a girl's evolving into womanhood, therefore, many participants like to involve a "last doll" in their ceremonies. The quinceanera celebrant enters the room carrying this doll. Two varying possibilities ensue: The quinceanera celebrant may hand the doll off to a little sister or cousin, or she may "trade" it for a bouquet from one of the girls in her court. If a last doll is not used in the ceremony, a last doll ceremony may take place after the main festivities. In this case, the quinceanera girl enters carrying a flower bouquet. She then places this bouquet on the altar as an offering.
How many girls are in the Quinceanera court?
The quinceanera celebrant is surrounded by her court for support on her special day. While tradition shows a court of 15 (including seven boys/chambelanes and seven girls/damas), this is no longer a hard-and-fast rule.
What is the ceremony for the Quinceanera girl?
Religious Processional. The ceremony centers around a thanksgiving mass. It gives thanks to the quinceanera girl's family and friends during this special time. For those who choose, godparents and grandparents may be involved in a coronation, where they present the quinceanera girl with a tiara.
What does Quinceanera mean?
Much like bar and bat mitzvahs, sweet sixteens, confirmations and debutante balls, the quinceanera symbolizes a girl's coming of age. At the age of 15, the quinceanera girl celebrates with family and friends the idea of "becoming a lady.".
What shoes do you wear for a Quinceanera?
Each quinceanera girl also requires two pairs of shoes for the ceremony--flats and heels. Flats are worn in the beginning part of the ceremony, then exchanged for the heels, which symbolizes the girl's passing into womanhood.
Who can hand off a doll at a Quinceanera?
Two varying possibilities ensue: The quinceanera celebrant may hand the doll off to a little sister or cousin, or she may "trade" it for a bouquet from one of the girls in her court. If a last doll is not used in the ceremony, a last doll ceremony may take place after the main festivities.
Who is Fionia Lechat?
Fionia LeChat is a technical writer whose major skill sets include the MS Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Publisher), Photoshop, Paint, desktop publishing, design and graphics. LeChat has a Master of Science in technical writing, a Master of Arts in public relations and communications and a Bachelor of Arts in writing/English.
