A party in which the soon-to-be parents receive gifts for their newborn to help parents get items that they will need for their baby is known as a baby shower. It is a time to celebrate a new life which brings people together no matter what stress is in their lives. During this special time fun games, food and baby topics are shared by friends and family for this momentous occasion.
In the late 19th century Victorian women hosted tea parties for the mother to be after the baby was born because pregnant women did not appear in public. Umbrellas became a symbol because it was the custom for ladies to carry parasols when they were to attend these afternoon baby showers. Then as we rounded into the 20th century, many changes took place in how baby showers were celebrated.
In North America, baby showers became popular following World War II with the baby boom. Prior to that, baby showers were held for the more well to do class. The showers were held after the birth, when the baby was presented and a baptism was done at that time if the family was religious. It was also a way of keeping the new mother company while she and her baby were in confinement, sometimes for a month. At this time, only women were invited because birth and children were long considered a woman's affair. Traditionally, a party was given for the first child only, the idea was that the gifts would go to the next child as well.
In the past, baby showers were for the new mother and only women attended. Today, men are starting to participate in this special event of being at the showers. Showers are now held about a month to two weeks before the due date. Sometimes, babies come early and are able to attend their own baby shower. There are many traditions on baby showers throughout the many cultures. In the Jewish tradition, no gift may be bought for the baby before it is born, but many American Jews today do not follow that tradition. England, France and other European countries, baby showers are a new phenomenon. Africa, Asia and Latin America countries are showing popularity of having baby showers but are for women only gatherings. The Hindus in India religious rituals like american baby showers are held during the seventh month of pregnancy. Their culture was for women only in attendance but today, because of western influence both men and women attend.
Traditionally, western culture baby showers were given only to the families first child but it has been common for each subsequent child or adopted one. For adopted children, many adopted parents wait until after the baby has arrived in their home or until the adoption is final. Today, with the woman in the work force she may have multiple baby showers hosted by a family member from either side of the family, friends or co-workers.
With this said, some people prefer to have baby showers after the birth of the baby. Where others believe giving gifts before the baby is born will bring bad luck. While still others believe that celebrating a coming child is a private family event and does not call for a party. In any case, it is a beautiful time in the new parents life and the excitement it provides no matter how it is celebrated.
