Kinaalda and Quinceanera

Paper Summary:

This paper describes the Kinaalda, literally, "puberty ceremony," which celebrates a Navajo girl's transition to womanhood, and explains the symbolism of the ritual. The writer then discusses the Latin American ceremony called the Quinceanos, which is a religious celebration of a girl becoming a woman on her 15th birthday, and its origin. The paper concludes that although the two rituals differ in costume and ceremonies, essentially the goal of both the Kinaalda and the Quinceanera ritual is to formally introduce a girl to her role in society as a future wife and mother.

From the Paper:

"The Kinaalda reinforces a Navajo's culture and society and is a symbol of self-identity and world-view. During the ceremony, natural subjects are chosen from the environment and food stores to reinforce the Navajo view of how a girl changes into a woman and what her role is in life. Music is utilized by the entire tribe, and songs are sung inside the hogan, outside and in other locations during different parts of the ceremony. Dance is utilized by the tribeswomen and by the Kinaalda herself, as she runs in a large circle, representing freedom and containment, world and family. The Kinaalda may run by herself or children may accompany her."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Amrani, Estelle Nora Harwit. "The Kinaalda Ceremony: A Dance Into Womanhood." Thesis in partial requirement for a degree. 2002. <http://www.vibrani.com/Kinaalda.htm.>.
• Duck, Marilyn. "Quinceanos: A Hispanic Catholic family tradition that celebrates a girl's 15th birthday." Eastern Oklahoma Catholic: Diocese of Tulsa News. 5 Jul 2006. <http://www.catholic.org/hf/teens/story.php?id=20413.>
• Mills, Priscilla. Quinceanera Connection. New York: American Treasures Library. 2007.

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