The Early History of the Baby Shower Party
The original baby shower probably took place thousands of years ago in one of the earliest human civilizations, such as Egypt or Rome. Some historians believe they have found evidence that suggest women practiced similar types of events to what we call baby showers today. However, these events were less about celebrating and more about helping the new mother prepare for her baby.
Generally, you wouldn’t throw one of these events until after the baby was already born. That was probably a good idea since ultrasound machines hadn’t been predicted and the sex of the baby would be unknown until after birth. Plus, many newborns didn’t live for very long in these early civilizations so there was no point celebrating until it was clear the new parents had something to celebrate.
How Baby Showers Got Started in Modern Times
Even in more recent times, the baby was rarely celebrated immediately. During the 19th century, for example, new mothers and their babies would be secluded from the rest of society for about a month. Then they would make a stunning debut with a party (their equivalent of baby showers) and usually another major event, such as a christening or baptism.
During the Victorian times, this tradition continued but some women started throwing tea parties for expectant mothers as well. These celebrations gave the women a chance to talk and to enjoy their time together before the new baby arrived on the scene. Sometimes women would also be allowed to visit the newborn and mother in seclusion. They would bring gifts and do what they could to help occupy the mother. While these traditions sowed the seeds of the modern baby shower, the real change didn’t come until the 20th century.
The Importance of Baby Shower Planning after the War
Many parts of American life changed dramatically after World War II. Baby showers became a part of these changes. In fact, the origin of baby showers modern came because people wanted to show off their newfound prosperity with any excuse for a great party and what better excuse was there then a new baby.
What began as a practical event which allowed new mothers to receive what she needed for her new baby eventually became a huge celebration with games, food, entertainment, diaper baby cakes and lots of gifts for the mother and the baby announced in the baby shower invitation. We’ve clearly come a long way from the origin of baby showers.
Learn more about how to customize your baby shower invitations for your special occasion. Find your perfect baby shower invitation, baby stationery, baby shower theme and personalized baby shower invitations at the baby shower invitations website at: www.birth-cards.com/baby-shower/baby-shower-invitations.
