When the Quince girl dreams of twirling around the dance floor in her gorgeous gown and twinkling tiara, she only imagines a small part of the woman she is about to become. The spectacular festivities are actually the culmination of an emotional and spiritual journey she and her family began months before. The 15-year-old follows in the footsteps of young women more than eight centuries ago who began their passage into womanhood in much the same way—with careful instruction on how a woman in her proud culture conducts herself ethically and spiritually.

Advice from Aztec Mother to Daughter
Many believe the history of the Quinceañera dates to the 14th century in Mexico, when Aztec parents of a young maiden acknowledged her passage into womanhood formally, though the tradition may have begun during the earlier Mayan culture. An important part of the traditon included the “Advice of an Aztec Mother to her Daughter,” detailed instruction on how an Aztec woman lives her life. Here is only a small part of her advice: “My dear daughter, whom I tenderly love, see that you live in the world in peace, tranquility and contentment, all the days that you shall live…See that you honor me and your father, and reflect glory on us by your good life…and may you come to God, who is in every place.” Her advice is very specific on morality, advising her daughter on how to dress, speak, walk and act, warning of dire consequences should she not obey. Also part of the young girl’s instruction was respect for and faithfulness to her husband and to God.

Today’s Quinceanera Classes
Though modern-day counsel to Quince girls is not dramatically different, they get the information in a much different way. Quinceañera preparation classes are required by most Catholic churches that celebrate the Quinceañera mass for their parishoners.The structure of the classes varies from church to church, with some only requiring one session and others offering four- and even eight-week courses, sometimes with mandatory attendance by parents as well. Topics also vary and can include the symbols and liturgical meaning of the Sacraments, the importance of God in their lives, the call to become a disciple, the origin of the Quinceañera fiesta, the challenges of being a youth in today’s society, modesty, self-discovery, understanding the self in relation to others, family roles, and usually there is a strong pro-chastity message. Often the Quinceañera renews her baptismal promises during the quinceañera mass.

At Santa Rosa Parish in Cambria, CA, they have a team of adults that works with the girl, her parents and Godparents. Although the girls aren’t tested, they have an interactive session to test themselves. The goal of the Quinceañera class at Santa Rosa is to make sure these girls see the importance of the role of a woman in society and the church—exactly the same ideals Aztec mothers wanted to instill in their daughters so many centuries ago.

As she twirls around the dance floor in her lovely gown and sparkling crown, everyone in the room watches and knows that she is a very different person from the young girl she was only a short time ago. Her smile and personality may be the same, but in her heart and soul, the journey is just beginning.