OSHKOSH, Wis. (WFRV)- For the Latinx community, a woman turning 15 marks more than just a birthday; it’s a transition to adulthood.
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At the Oshkosh Public Museum, a new exhibit called ‘Crowned in Tradition’ explores quinceañeras.
“A quinceañera is a special coming-of-age ceremony or special event that marks a young woman’s transition from childhood to adulthood,” Oshkosh Public Museum Assistant Director Emily Rock said.
The exhibit shares the tradition of quinceañera through local stories via loaned-out dresses across northeast Wisconsin.
“All of the dresses and beautiful items used in this exhibition are loans from community members from Green Bay all the way to Fond du Lac,” Rock said. “It really is a community exhibition.”
These stories are deeply personal and walk through different practices seen at a quinceañera.
‘The last doll’ is one of the traditions on display.
“It’s a presentation of a special toy, like a teddy bear, and [women typically] receive this doll from a parent or godparent,” Rock said.
The doll symbolizes the last toy the girl received in childhood, marking the beginning of adulthood. Often, the doll or bear is in a dress similar to what the girl wears during her quinceañera.
These stories were brought to light by students at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh through their Chicana/o & Latinx studies program.
“It was a committee of students, most of whom had items in this exhibit,” Rock said. “They did research and interviewed the women who have had quinceañeras.”
The purpose of this exhibit is to help understand cultures throughout North East Wisconsin.
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“This is a story about joy, and learning more about our friends and neighbors in the Latinx community,” Rock said.
The exhibit will be on display at the Oshkosh Public Museum until August 8.
