Quienceñara
The Quinceañera is a celebration of a young girl’s coming of age (her 15th birthday). It is a Hispanic tradition that dates back to the ancient native cultures of Mexico, Central and South America. This rite if initiation that is rooted in the customs of the Toltec & Aztec, the Maya, the Quechua, and other indigenous civilizations., continues today in the traditions of the present-day Hispanic cultures.
There are several different theories as to the origin of this celebration, the most common theory is that the Quinceañera was the result of the blending of the traditions from both Spanish conquerors and the native people in Mexico in a mostly religious way.
By the age of fifteen, boys were expected to become warriors and fulfill their father’s expectations. For girls, it was the time they were presented to the community as young ladies, no longer girls. Fifteen year old Aztec females were considered women and were given all the responsibilities that come along with womanhood. An enormously significant rite of passage, the Quinceañera is also a tremendous honor, one that Mexican girls look forward to with pride and happiness. Every other birthday before and after may come and go without much ceremony, but the fifteenth is an event filled with celebration.
Today’s ceremonies embrace religious traditions, and the virtues of family and social responsibility. The custom is a celebration of the young girl, and a recognition of her journey from childhood to maturity. The celebration highlights God, family, friends, music, food, and dance.
In keeping with the historical significance and with current practices, Memory Photography is committed to capturing in photographs, the essence and beauty of the day. Images are created in telling the story of the day to be remembered for the future.
