When puberty progresses and the first period occurs, there are many different ways that it is addressed that can vary between families and even between different cultures. A period party or a first moon party, friends and women from family gather to have a party that celebrates this moment in a woman’s life. Read on for our favorite seasonal party ideas.
What is a Period Party?
A period party is a party that gathers friends or family to celebrate someone’s first period. It marks the beginning of adulthood and is surrounded by many changes in the body and in life. Instead of making this moment scary or annoying, many people start partying and turn it into a positive experience. As people push past the stigmas attached and the shame that can be felt at this stage, using a party to create a positive experience and move conversations and experiences into regular conversations with others can help to ease the changes.
These parties can take many forms and involve a variety of methods. Some will have a small party with only close family members. Some have only female family members, and others will invite friends as well. They can be big events with food and drinks, decorations, and even gifts. Or small parties with just mom and daughter eating cupcakes or ice cream and bonding over the shared experience. The type of party depends on what is best suited for the guest of honor as well as the personalities and preferences of the family supporting them.
In many ways, some will celebrate with red foods, decorated cakes and cupcakes, and red decorations. While others will focus on marking the date as a transition into adulthood and focus on the interests and potential of the guest of honor.
What is the Period Party called?
A period party can be called a number of things, and people will come up with their own names and even themes for them, but some are more common than others. Some of the commonly used names are Period Party, First Moon Party, Red Tent Party and even Red Party. Others may call them a Wombmanhood Party, and others have no name for them. But they follow traditions in what foods to eat, talking about it, or buying gifts to make the experience more positive.
Who Gets Invited to a Period Party?
It is important to create a guest list based on the comfort level of the guest of honor. Think about who he cares about and who he wants to be with. It’s usually the mother who plans and hosts the party. They often invite other women in the family, as well as younger siblings or cousins who will one day have their own period party. Some will invite close friends of both the guest of honor and the hostess, as a way for younger guests to also find guidance and support from older guests who have more experience than them.
Some families will also invite the father and siblings, as a way to show that there is no need to hide it from other family members. This allows everyone to show their support and care in this moment. Guest lists should always be guided by the needs and preferences of the party person. And in some cases, there can be joint parties for a group of friends as they all take this step. Some will find that their friends start there at around the same age, which makes it easier to help each other and open up the conversation.
What Do You Do at a Period Party?
There are unlimited party ideas during the season. There will certainly be food, some themed for a season, others themed towards the celebration of the person for the party. Games can be played, some are about learning about seasonal products and how to choose one. Others around who know more about the guest of honor, and others who are fun and age appropriate. Although a theme is observed not every factor necessarily fits that theme.
Some themed meals include period product cupcakes or decorated cakes. Red velvet cake is popular, as are cupcakes, and even red jello and cranberry juice may be featured. Others will use an ice cream cake or sundae that people can enjoy.
Guests can bring gifts of manufactured goods, which encourages trying on several different brands and styles until finding the right fit. Parents often give gifts of menstrual cups, journals, pads, tampons, and even bathing suits or period panties. Using this opportunity to discuss different options, what to expect, and to make sure any questions are answered, is one way to remove the stigma surrounding the experience.
Why Have a Period Party?
Period parties have become popular as a way to make it part of regular conversation. And to move it from an experience that many try to avoid discussing to something that can be easily discussed with friends and family, to create open lines of conversation, and to offer support during these this change. This change in attitudes towards the process makes it easier for girls and families to talk about it, for menstruating people to know what is normal and what is not, what to expect, when should discuss concerns with a doctor, and make it more comfortable. It is a necessary part of life for a large part of the population, and it should be one that is accepted, expected, and normalized.
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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.
