Baby Showers and Don’t Forget the Sprinkles!
We all got super excited in the office today, as Jules received an invitation to a friend’s baby shower. Whilst we set about discussing the stressful task of gift-buying, loads of memories came flooding back of our own shower celebrations and the amazing time we had with our friends and family. With this in mind we pondered the question – when did baby showers become such a big hit?
Although baby showers feel like a relatively recent addition to our milestone celebrations they have of course been taking place in various forms for generations. In this country we have totally embraced the opportunity to throw a shower and do we really need another reason to have a party?
In China it’s the “Manyue”, the “Cha de bebe” in Brazil and the “Dahi Chiura Khuwaune” in Nepal, with various cultures across the globe celebrating new life and the journey into motherhood. Now more popular than ever, it seems anything goes as far as showers are concerned. You’ll most likely remember the culinary feats that are attempted, particularly of the cake variety, but we’ve enjoyed our fair share of themed games (speed changing a nappy & drinks in bottles, anyone?). They are also a great time for treating mum before the whirlwind of birth and the first few months with a new baby.
Many believe the term “baby shower” travelled from across the pond – although perhaps not quite in the way you might think. In the 18th Century a talented silversmith named Franz Schauer settled in New York having travelled to America from Germany. Schauer crafted baby gifts that were incredibly popular with wealthy parents of newborns in the area. His engraved designs became a unique way to celebrate the birth of a child and were hugely popular.
In some cultures baby showers are an event traditionally held for the first born only, however parties held for subsequent children have also grown in popularity. In the US these (sometimes smaller) celebrations are known as Sprinkles, which we found absolutely adorable!
So whether it’s a shower or a sprinkle there’s no doubt in our minds that a baby shower is the best way to celebrate before the big day (and get some awesome presents at the same time!)
Image Credit: http://bit.ly/1kvAv1y
Tags: baby shower