Philippine Debut vs. Quinceañera
The Quinceañera tradition is very much related to a Philippine Debut, but it is celebrated on a girl’s 18th birthday instead of the 15th birthday. Inside the debutante’s court are usually 9 boys and 8 girls, the 9th girl representing the debutante. In the Quinceañera, there are 15 boys and 14 girls, the 15th representing the Quinceañera. Instead of a large ceremonial Quinceañera mass, the Philippine Debut begins with a short prayer for the debutante. A traditional waltz, similar to one at a Quinceañera is performed as well as an “18 Roses Dance” where 18 boys dance around the debutante, each giving her one rose. The last dance would be the father and daughter dance where the 18th boy represents the father who gives her the 18th rose. The debutante also receives 18 candles from her closest female friends. Each girl delivers a short speech on their relationship with the debutant and lights a candle, which is held or placed on a stand. Afterwards, the cutting of the cake, which also occurs in the Quinceañera, is commonly taken place. The night is ended with the debutante’s speech explaining her thoughts towards a new adulthood life as well as giving thanks to the guests. This is similar to when the Quinceañera renews her baptismal vows during the mass. All of these traditions have the same meaning as to one in a Quinceañera, where the transition from childhood to adulthood is celebrated.