Tag Archives: first communion

First Communion

Age: 21

Text:
“For my First Communion, we had to wear these pretty white dresses, and I actually wore my mom’s from when she got her First Communion. At that point, it was over 30 years old. We all went to the church, and I was with all my friends from elementary school. I think we were in first grade at the time, and we received our 1st communion. I felt so cute. My mom let me pick out my headband from a really cute First Communion store. And then we went to dinner and we saw Lady Gaga, and it was the best day ever.”

Context:
A catholic girl from NYC who had her First Communion, a coming of age ritual in Catholicism, in the first grade.

Analysis:
Her description of her First Communion demonstrates passing of tradition, the foundation of folklore. This coming of age event that she was excited to experience because it represented a huge milestone in her life. By wearing the same dress her mother did during her First Communion, she was able to connect with her and the celebration even deeper.

First Communion

Age: 22

Text:
“At my First Communion, they took us up to the practice ceremony with all of our parents upstairs in the church. We had to practice eating the communion, representing the body of christ, and drinking the wine, representing the blood of christ, and we drank the wine. I remember saying, this is so gross really loudly, and my parents got so mad at me. The actual day was really fun. We got to wear our dresses and take pictures outside the church. It meant that I was growing up, and it was a really important milestone for my religion.

Context:
A Catholic girl from Phoenix discussing her First Communion, a coming of age ritual in Catholicism, and what it meant to her.

Analysis:
Her First Communion Served as a signifying moment in her religion, marking the moment that she’s growing up. It took preparation and practice because of how significant it is. She remembers the act vividly, specifically noting that wearing a pretty dress was an exciting part of the event. It’s also interesting how children remember moments of stress, even over moments of pure excitement.