Help Your Child Celebrate Religious Diversity (continued)

Confirmation: Christian churches offer confirmation at different ages. In the Anglican or Episcopal Church, children are confirmed in early adolescence, often between 14–16; in the Methodist church, it happens in junior high. The ceremony marks the child’s acceptance of Christian doctrine and may cap years of study in Sunday school. It may or may not be celebrated with a party.

Quinceanera: This Latin American tradition is a cross between the American “sweet sixteen” and a debutante ball. At age 15, girls become young adults and celebrate with a huge party that can be as elaborate as a wedding. In Catholic families, there will be a special mass in the morning. At the party afterwards, the birthday girl wears a white gown and holds court with 14 friends. The traditions vary according to background, but often include the girl changing from flats into high heels (to demonstrate her transition to womanhood) and dancing a waltz with her father. The quinceanera’s family will probably give her religious and symbolic gifts, but anything is appropriate.