|
Traditionally, a baby shower is held only for the mother-to-be and only women attend. However, recently men are also starting to participate in a couple's baby shower.
Many people choose to have baby showers for both parents, and some people have a men-only shower. In Jewish
tradition, a celebration and gift reception is held only after the birth of a child.
In countries like UK, France and other European countries, baby showers are a new phenomenon. Baby showers are increasingly popular in Africa, Asia and Latin America, but are still "women-only" social gatherings. Among Hindus in
India, religious rituals resembling Western baby showers are held during the seventh month of pregnancy. In earlier times it was a function which was organized and attended by women only, but in recent years, due to the western influence in India, both genders are
often present.
Traditionally, baby showers were given only for the family's first child, but over time, it has become more common to hold
them for subsequent or adopted children.Even when a shower is held for only the first child, it is not uncommon for a parent to have more than one baby shower, such as one with friends and another with co-workers.
While there are no established guidelines for what constitutes a baby shower, there are some traditional activities that are common at baby showers.Traditionally, the shower is given for the expected parent(s) by someone else as opposed to the
parent(s) hosting it. Usually, the mother's maid of honour, or bridesmaids at her wedding, hosts this final event into motherhood for their bride. There are favours, gifts, and games all coordinated by the host(s). Invitations are sent out, by the organizers, on
behalf of the Mother/Parents, just like at a traditional bridal shower. Because the party centres on gift-giving, the baby shower is generally arranged by a close friend. There is no set rule for when or where showers are to be held and the party can thus be held at
a variety of places and at various times. It is common for the host to provide baby-themed games during the shower. In some regions, it is common to give party favours, small gifts for the guests. Baby showers are more open to new ideas, concepts, themes, games, and changes in etiquette. For instance, once it was unacceptable in America for guests to rub the expectant mother's
tummy. Beginning in the 1970s, however, if permitted by the mother and if asked politely, "tummy-rubbing" is now a baby shower event.
There is great variance in practices and themes of baby showers. Some people prefer to hold showers after the birth of the
baby. Some believe that giving gifts before the baby is born can bring bad luck. Others believe that the concept of celebrating a
coming child is a private family event or does not mandate a party at all.
Including the award winning Nappy Cakes from Baby Cake Creations, will have all the guests fussing
not only over the Mother To Be, but also the gifts choice you have chosen form our Nappy Gift Cakes range.
|