In a quinceañera, the Virgin Mary may receive the celebrant’s bouquet during a church ceremony.
In Catholic quinceañera traditions, the celebrant may present flowers to an image or statue of the Virgin Mary. The gesture expresses devotion and gratitude and can be included during a Mass or another church portion of the celebration. It is especially associated with families who connect the birthday ceremony to Marian devotion.
The presentation is not required in every quinceañera. Religious practice differs among families, and secular celebrations may have no church ceremony at all. Even in Catholic communities, the order of events and the words used can vary by parish and country.
The bouquet should not be confused with a bridal bouquet. A quinceañera is not a wedding, and giving flowers to Mary does not represent a marriage ritual. It is a devotional gesture that may accompany prayers, blessings, and thanksgiving.