Baby shower
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In some countries, a baby shower is a way to celebrate the pending or recent birth of a child by presenting gifts to the parents at a party. The term "shower" is often assumed to mean that the expectant mother is "showered" with gifts.
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[edit] Description
Traditionally, baby showers were given only for the family's first child, and both men and women attended. The original intent was for women to share wisdom and lessons on the art of becoming a mother.[citation needed] Over time, it has become common to hold them for subsequent or adopted children. It is not uncommon for a parent to have more than one baby shower, such as one with friends and another with co-workers.
According to etiquette authority Miss Manners, because the party centers on gift-giving, the baby shower is typically arranged and hosted by a close friend rather than a member of the family, since it is considered rude for families to beg for gifts on behalf of their members.[1] However, this custom varies by culture or region and in some it is expected and customary for a close female family member to host the baby shower, oftentimes the grandmother.[citation needed]
There is no set rule for when or where showers are to be held. The number of guests and style of entertainment are determined by the host. Most hosts invite only women to baby showers, although there is no firm rule requiring this. If the shower is held after the baby's birth, then the baby is usually brought, too. Showers typically include food but not a full meal.
Guests bring small or large gifts for the expectant mother. Typical gifts related to babies include diapers, baby bottles, clothes, and toys. It is common to open the gifts during the party.
Some hosts arrange baby-themed activities, such as games to taste baby foods or to guess the baby's birth date or gender.
[edit] International
Baby showers and other social events to celebrate the impending or recent birth are popular around the world. They are commonly "women-only" social gatherings.
- In Brazil, a party called "chá de bebê" (baby tea) is offered before birth and is often a "women-only" event.
- In Chinese tradition, a baby shower, called '满月,manyue' is held one month after the baby is born. Due to the lack of advanced medical technology in ancient times, the high infant mortality rate prompted families and friends to celebrate if a baby survived more than one month after birth.
- In Costa Rica, a baby shower party is called té de canastilla ("basket tea").
- In Hindu tradition, they are called by different names depending on the community the family belongs to. In northern India it is known as godbharaai, in western India, especially Maharashtra, this celebration is known as dohaaljewan, and in West Bengal and Orissa it is called saadh. In Southern India, in Tamil Nadu/Andhra Pradesh it is called seemantam or Valaikaapu (The expecting mother wears bangles), and in Karnataka it is called seemanta and is held when the woman is in her 5th or 7th or 9th months of pregnancy. These three types of celebrations are very similar to each other and are "women-only" events. There is music played, and the expecting mother is decked in traditional attire with lots of flowers and garlands made of jasmine or mogra. A swing is decorated with flowers of her choice, which she uses to sit and swing. At times there are symbolic cut-outs of Moons and Stars that are put up. There are blessings showered on her by the elderly ladies from the household and community. There are gifts given to the expecting mother. It is a very affectionate and fun-filled event for most of the expecting mothers since they are on the threshold of motherhood and entering a new life. In Kerala, it is known as Pulikudi, and is practiced predominantly in the Nair community, though it's popularity has spread to other Hindu sects as well over the years. On an auspicious day, after being massaged with homemade ayurvedic oil, the woman has a customary bath with the help of the elderly women in the family. After this, the family deity is worshipped, invoking all the paradevatas (family deities) and a concoction of herbal medicines prepared in the traditional way, is given to the woman. The woman is dressed in new clothes and jewellery used for such occasions. A big difference in the western concept of baby shower and Hindu tradition is that the Hindu ceremony is a religious ceremony to pray for the well-being of the baby. In most conservative families gifts are bought for the mother-to-be but not the baby. The baby is showered with gifts only after birth.
- In Islam adherents are required to perform aqiqah[2] of newly born child. This involves sacrifice of sacrificial animals. The meat is then divided in three equal parts; one for the poor and needy, one for relatives and friends which can involve inviting them at home for a feast, and finally the last part is utilized by the household itself.
- In South Africa, a baby shower is called a stork party, and takes place typically when the mother is about 6 months pregnant. Stork parties are usually not attended by men, and South African men do not have an equivalent party of their own. The stork party is accompanied by silliness such as dressing up, and babycare related gifts are given to the mother. A stork party is often organised as a suprise without the mother's knowledge.
- In the United Kingdom, this is called wetting the baby's head, and is a more common substitute to a baby shower, which is seen as a materialistic American custom.[3] Wetting the baby's head is traditionally when the father celebrates the birth by having a few drinks with a group of friends.
[edit] Terms
- Diaper shower refers to a small-scale baby shower, generally for subsequent children, when the parents don't need as many baby supplies.
- Grandma's shower refers to a shower at which people bring items for the grandparents to keep at their house, such as a collapsible crib and a changing pad.
- Sprinkles are small showers for a subsequent child who is of a different gender than the previous offspring. They are becoming much more common.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Martin, Judith (10 September 2010). "Miss Manners: Modesty is the best party policy". The Washington Post. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/10/AR2010091005903.html.
- ^ aqiqah
- ^ Kate Fox (2008). Watching the English: The Hidden Rules of English Behaviour. London: Nicholas Brealey Publishing. pp. 360–361. ISBN 1-85788-508-2.
