The meaning of a quinceañera
By YADIRA SANCHEZ OLSON
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While covering the story about the students at John T. Magee Middle School in Round Lake celebrating a Quinceañera in their class, I must say that I was transported back to the days when my girlfriends and I dreamed about our “Quince” party.
It’s just one of those beautiful traditions that I’m glad has continued to be passed on through the years and through the generations, whether the girls celebrating it are in Mexico or not.
The bonding that takes place while preparing for a Quinceañera between mothers and daughters, fathers and their little girl and friends of the family is truly something special.
Parents take great pride in presenting their lovely little rose as a young woman now and handing her off (metaphorically) to the world.
They spend a great sum of money, time and effort, all in hopes that their daughter and their guests will have the time of their life and that she will never forget her party.
The meaning of the celebration though is the most important thing to pass on, and that’s a priceless effort and gift to any girl.
The dance with your dad symbolizing that he knows that he no longer can hold on to you in his arms as he held you when you were a little girl really only means that he knows you’re physically too big to fit on his lap, but never will leave his heart, no matter how old you get.
And, at the end of the night when everyone can no longer stand on their feet from all the dancing they’ve done, the only thing left is that young woman contemplating her future and being thankful for all the love and support that she now knows her family and friends will have for her throughout the rest of her years.
Have a safe and fun Memorial Day!
