He Quinceañera Celebration
Often it's a big production. With a special church service and an elaborate party, this celebration is like having a wedding for a 15th birthday party. But it has been and still can be a simple thing, such as a dinner with family members after church. The Quinceañera [keen-say-ahn-YAY-rah] marks a girl's arrival, at age 15, into adulthood. At this point, she is expected to take more responsibility, to give more to her family and society. This is celebrated in many Hispanic communities in the United States as well as in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.
Both the party and the service may involve a lot of decorations and music. In the church service, the fifteen-year-old reaffirms her baptismal and confirmation vows. With her is a "court of honor." Traditionally, this is a group of 14 pairs of boys and girls, a little younger than she is, and her escort. Often, though, the size and age of this group vary. The boys are called "chambelanes" [chahm-bay-LAH-nays] or lords, and the girls are "damas" [DAH-mahs], or ladies. The girl's "court" enters the church first, and then she walks down the aisle with her parents.
Later the same day, a party takes place. This is most likely in a community hall or the family's house or yard. A special waltz by the girl with her father begins the dancing. Food and a specially decorated cake of many layers are served.
The birthday girl often receives several symbolic gifts this day. They may include a doll — her last child's toy — a ring or other jewelry, her first high-heeled shoes and a bouquet of flowers. She wears a crown of flowers and a dress much like a wedding dress.
This celebration is strongest in Mexico, where it may have its origins. The idea seems to come from an Aztec, or ancient Mexican, custom. In that culture, at age 12 or 13, a girl began to attend one of two types of school, depending on her future. Either she trained for religious service or for married life. The Spanish Catholic society adopted this idea, but changed the age to 15. Also, over time, instead of marking a choice of religion or marriage, the day became a rite of passage for all girls.
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Select the correct answer.
Here is a question from the text aids: What is the party usually like?
A.
It's just a typical birthday party.
B.
It has decorations, dancing and a big cake.
C.
The passage only describes the church service.