In a traditional quinceañera ceremony, a parent may present the honoree with a doll symbolizing childhood.
This custom is often called the last doll, because it represents the end of childhood and the beginning of a new stage of life. The doll may be dressed similarly to the quinceañera, creating a visual connection between the child she was and the young woman being honored.
The ritual is not universal. Some families include it, while others omit it or replace it with a different symbolic gift. Quinceañera customs vary considerably according to country, religion, family history, and personal taste.
The doll ritual should not be confused with the shoe-changing ceremony, another traditional element associated with the transition from childhood. These are separate customs, and neither is required for a celebration to be called a quinceañera.