Neon Signs make great Quinceanera Gifts

One of the biggest days in a Hispanic girl’s life is her sweet fifteen party, also known as a Quinceanera. Quinceanera traditions for this party have been passed down for hundreds of years. Amazingly Quinceanera history can be traced back to the Aztecs in 500BC. The celebration marks the transition from a child to a woman. This is because at the age of fifteen the Aztec men were crowned warriors. Since the women were thought of as the future mothers of warriors their birthday was celebrated as well.

In today’s modern times the birthday is celebrated in grand style and Quinceara invitations are sent out. A banquet hall may be rented, and the planning may be as elaborate as a wedding. Planning should start months in advance since a church may need to be reserved as well as the banquet hall. Since Quinceaneras take place at the same times as many weddings, scheduling conflicts may result. The guest list should be made well in advance so no one is left out or forgotten.

It is traditional for the woman to have an elaborate and elegant Quinceanera dress. Often this dress will be white and resemble a wedding dress. Dresses should be ordered far in advance similar to ordering a wedding dress. While there are options to obtain these dresses online, it is best to get fitted by someone who works with the dresses everyday. The birthday girl must obtain the proper accessories including shoes, necklaces, and other jewelry. She must also select the clothes of the people in who accompany her. Traditionally the parents, godparents, mades of honor (damas), and chambermaids escort her when she enters the church. In certain cultures there is an elaborate mass to celebrate. At the end of the mass the Quinceanera leaves her bouquet at the alter in honor of the Virgin Mary. Typically after the church ceremony the party begins.

The actual party has dancing and singing, and even some traditional music. Typically everyone lines up and goes to talk to the birthday girl, give her a kiss on the check and wish her well. Some of the older people will offer the newly crowned woman some elder advice. At some parties the Quinceanera will read a poem or say some words of thanks to her parents for throwing her such a great party. Some would argue that the best part of the celebration is eating the Quinceanera cake. The Quinceanera cakes may be decorated in any sort of fashion that the proud parents have chosen.

If you have trouble coming up with Quinceanera gift ideas, one option would be a neon sign. They are quite trendy right now, and are available in all sorts of sizes and colors. You could get a neon sign that was shaped like a palm tree or it could have the logo of a sports team that the Birthday girl practically liked. Other gift ideas include gift certificates, cell phones, and ipods.