We’re excited to introduce our social media intern, Fernanda. At Rites for Girls we are bringing back the coming-of-age rite of passage which gives dignity and power to girls as they journey towards womanhood.
Fernanda has a special story to tell of her experience at that time in her life:
Then each of your parents make a speech about you, and congratulating you for turning into a teenager and a ‘grown woman’
“I always knew when I was going to turn into a teenager. Every girl in Brazil does. We talk about it with our parents, with our friends and family. We wait for it, we dream about it.
I could not believe that I was turning 15 years old already. In Brazil, this means that you are turning into a full grown woman and a teenager, and there is a very special way to celebrate this special moment: a big party with some particular rituals. My parents asked me if I wanted the ‘Quinceañera‘ (15’s party) or if I wanted to travel to Disneyland (that has been my dream forever). I chose the party. Not only because I dreamt about it for my whole life, but because I knew how important this ritual and celebration is when you turn into a teenager.
I went with my parents to choose my dress, the ballroom, every detail. I loved being part of everything. When the celebration starts, 15 couples of friends enter before you. Each of them is holding a candle, representing a year in your life. I went downstairs and my father was waiting for me. He kissed my hand and we danced a valse. While we were dancing I went to each couple and blew the candles. After the dance finished and I had blown the 15 candles, my parents gave a speech. They talked about how proud they were that I was turning into a beautiful teenager and woman and how much they loved me. My best friend also gave a speech and everyone cried, including me. After that, we sang Happy Birthday, made a toast, ate the cake and went to the “disco” to dance (that is inside the ballroom), and parents aren’t allowed. We danced until about 2am and I went home feeling that I was prepared to face my teenage years, but most importantly, that I had the support from my family and my friends, that I was strong, loved and that I would never be alone.
I wouldn’t change anything about it, I loved each and every moment of it and I loved my teenage years. I wish every girl in the world could celebrate their teenage years as we do in Brazil, and I hope this rite of passage to be alive forever.”
The final chapter of Kim McCabe’s ‘From Daughter to Woman’ is a how-to guide to create a coming-of-age celebration for your daughter, one that a modern girl can enjoy.
That’s my dad bringing me down And then we dance the first dance My parents with me preparing the first toast Before you come down the stairs, 15 couple of friends come representing each year of your life. These are my 15 boy friends And these are my 15 girl friends Then each of your parents make a speech about you, and congratulating you for turning into a teenager and a ‘grown woman’
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