Like every baby, a Baby Shower is unique and special, but where did the idea of a Baby Shower come from? Is this a modern event? Or has it been around for centuries? Continue below to learn more about the History of Baby Showers.
Baby Showers are a very special event held to celebrate the arrival of a new baby and support their family. These events are often part of the parenting journey. They can be hosted by different people and are usually held during 6-8 months of pregnancy. Baby Showers can also be thrown in many different types of locations depending on the Mom’s interests and needs.
Sometimes parents-to-be will create a baby registry, making it easier for guests to find items to donate. Speaking of guests, sometimes the guests are only women, meanwhile, others may choose to have a co-ed shower.
Where did Baby Showers come from?
While the term “Baby Shower” is a newer phrase, hosting events about pregnancy and childbirth is not. Throughout history, there have always been different pregnancy rituals. Also events held after the birth of a child. These events may not look like Baby Showers today, but they are ways to celebrate in their own way.
Not all practices are the same as modern times. In Ancient Egypt, it was customary to separate the mother and her baby. They thought that birth was “impure” and visited temples to help remove this “pollution”. In Ancient Greece, people cheered after labor as a way of saying it was now peaceful. Finally, in Ancient India a ritual was held in the 6th or 8th month of pregnancy where they gave dry fruit to the mother to help the baby grow. Music also plays for baby’s ears to enjoy in utero.
It was common for a mother not to survive the birth of a child centuries ago. In Medieval Europe, priests often visited pregnant women to confess their sins. In addition, when the baby is born, they are baptized and the Godparents offer gifts. Years later during the Renaissance, more available gifts were given to pregnant women. Not long into the Victorian era, women hid their pregnancies. Once the baby was born however, parties took place in celebration of the new arrival. These are just a few examples of what may have happened in the past.
When is the first Baby Shower?
It’s hard to pin point exactly when the first Baby Shower took place. Some believe that the traditional Baby Shower as we know it today first took place in the 1940s and 1950s. This was the era in which the Baby Boomer generation was formed and Baby Showers were a way of celebrating the end of the war.
Why is it called a Baby Shower?
When a life-changing event is about to happen, there’s usually someone who will throw a celebratory “shower.” It’s safe to say the word shower means showering someone with gifts. Like a bridal shower, a Baby Shower is a time to shower a new Mom with love and support. On top of that, shower them with gifts for themselves and their baby.
Are Baby Showers Different Around the World?
Baby Showers are a common tradition in some countries, as seen in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States. But not all countries or cultures celebrate this way. For example, after the baby arrives, Afghan parents celebrate for six nights. Huge secret parties happen in the Dominican, for both men and women to attend. The event was a surprise for parents to be! In France, parents wait to celebrate their new baby until their first birthday. a Stork Party.
Are there Baby Showers for Fathers?
Baby Showers are traditionally for girls, but many couples are starting to have co-ed showers. In the History of Baby Showers, is there one just for boys? It’s hard to know about the past but today, the answer is yes! Sometimes showers for dads-to-be are called “Diaper Parties.” This is when Dad and his friends get together for a hangout, play some games and have snacks. Diaper parties can be at a friend’s house, a pub or a sports arena. In addition, guests bring diapers. So it’s a great way to make Dad feel special and stock up on a must-have item! Throwing “Dadchelor Party” is also a new trend. Sounds like an awesome way to celebrate a new Dad entering fatherhood!
How about Baby Showers for Second, Third etc. Child?
In the past, Baby Showers were usually for the first child. When another baby arrives to join a family, a Sprinkle event sometimes occurs. A rain sprinkle is like a smaller version of a rain shower, so these events are usually not as large. Sprinkle is not only a great way to celebrate the new baby but also an opportunity to give gifts. Especially if it’s the other gender. Sprinkle is a fun way to get older kids excited about their new sibling too!
In conclusion, a Baby Shower will be a special event to any new Mom or parents-to-be. They can vary in size and location and there is no rule that says a Mom can only have one thrown in her honor. Hopefully, the information above has helped anyone curious about the History of Baby Showers. Finally, maybe at the next Baby Shower you attend, you can share what you learned!
About the Author
Jane Sheriff is the founder, creative director, party planner and mother of three. She started Darling Celebrations in 2012 to share easy and beautiful ideas for celebrating life’s special events.
