Why do Latino Christians treat their patron saint's day more importantly than their birthday? Would a fifteen-year-old girl's Quinceañera be as important as a birthday or more important than a birthday, with similar value to a patron saint's day or the day on which they would be confirmed in the church?
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Not sure the community says this is on-topic: How should we handle questions about Christian culture? I like it though and would be happy to see the answers.– fгedsbendOct 18, 2013 at 5:15
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2@Fred I think this is on topic, it isn't just latino Christians. It's a long standing tradition in the Church that it's neglected by protestant influenced Catholics in North America and Europe– Peter Turner ♦Oct 18, 2013 at 10:32
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Also a tradition in the Orthodox church, thought I can't say it is followed to any great extant. In the monasteries however, the birthday is never celebrated...– ByzantineOct 18, 2013 at 14:25
1 Answer
Not just Mexican, mostly a Catholic tradition. (http://www.catholic.org/saints/faq.php)
This is one way to carry-out this tradition: Catholics ask saints to give a word or two to God for them. So, if my name is Peter, I should IDENTIFY myself with Peter's Day, present gifts, ask people to help me with extra treatment/presents, so together with Saint Peter, in God's favor, I can ask what I want/need. Can't get that on a b-day.
So, it is a TOOL to help a Catholic identify with God. Never the less, a tradition, not that is right or wrong. But far from the truth.
Quinceañera, is a right-of-passage, personal birthday. Not answered here.