| Rocking chairs. Glider. Bags of itty-bitty clothes. | | | | while pregnant or even admitting there was a bun |
| The baby shower has been the traditional way to | | | | in the oven was considered in poor taste. |
| give new parents all the things they'll need to | | | | However, that didn't stop friends from throwing a |
| start their new life. From the birth celebrations of | | | | traditional Victorian tea party for mom after the |
| the ancient Greeks to modern couples showers, | | | | birth of the baby. |
| this guide will give you the 411 on the history of | | | | By the mid-1900s, baby showers had evolved into |
| baby showers. Who knows? You might be able to | | | | a way to help the new mom and dad with the |
| turn some of these tidbits into questions for your | | | | financial burden of starting a family. Diapers, |
| baby shower games and activities. | | | | clothes, and nursery items, such as glider rocking |
| The old days | | | | chairs, became part of every mom-to-be's wish |
| Not surprisingly birth is one of the most | | | | list. |
| long-celebrated rites of passage. But old-timey | | | | The here and now |
| families didn't freeze small plastic babies in ice | | | | Our families no longer shout to the world when |
| cubes or wrap toilet paper around the | | | | labor is over or sequester new moms for long |
| mom-to-be's burgeoning belly. In ancient cultures, | | | | periods, but birth celebrations remain a consistent |
| new moms were often confined after the birth | | | | part of our social world. Modern showers can take |
| so they wouldn't contaminate the rest of society | | | | almost any form, from simple and chic to formal |
| with the impurity of the birth process. | | | | and fabulous. They're traditionally planned and |
| Celebrations after the baby appeared often | | | | hosted by friends of the expecting mom, |
| included visiting a temple or holding a festival. | | | | however, family members are starting to take a |
| Sometimes the child received his or her formal | | | | more active role in shower planning. Modern baby |
| name during one of these festivals. | | | | showers aren't limited to spoiling mom, either. |
| In ancient Greek society, the people would shout | | | | Couples showers are becoming an increasingly |
| after labor concluded to signal peace, and 10 days | | | | popular party theme. Mom- and dad-to be are |
| later, they would have a special meal for the new | | | | honored by attendees of both genders. For these |
| mother. And although it was a celebratory event | | | | events, hostesses generally try to plan activities |
| attended by family and friends, Greek moms | | | | that women and men will enjoy. Like bridal |
| didn't receive any goodies-they gave them. New | | | | showers, baby showers typically feature food and |
| moms dedicated gifts to the goddess of birth. | | | | party favors. Fun activities and games are |
| During the Middle Ages-the time of Robin | | | | important, too. For instance, baby shower |
| Hood-the babys baptism was the primary | | | | planners might organize games, such as guessing |
| celebration of birth. This religious event often | | | | the babys gender, weight, and date of birth. The |
| happened the day after the child was born. | | | | hostess typically awards cute or funny prizes to |
| Surprisingly, mom was not allowed to attend her | | | | the winners. |
| babys baptism because church practice dictated | | | | Of course, the future mother is also showered |
| that she be sequestered for 40 days after birth. | | | | with gifts. It's easier than ever for family and |
| While mom couldn't be there, the babys | | | | friends to buy gifts the new parents and their |
| Godparents could. In the Middle Ages, the | | | | bundle of joy will be sure to love. For example, |
| Godparents acted as a childs spiritual teachers and | | | | registries allow the expectant mom to let |
| often bestowed valuable Christening gifts, such as | | | | everyone know that she wants the trendy |
| silver spoons. | | | | stroller all the celebrities' use. Sometimes several |
| By the Renaissance, families began to celebrate | | | | guests will indulge the mom-to-be by going in |
| pregnant women. Wooden trays, food, clothes, | | | | together on a big-ticket purchase, like rocking |
| and paintings were all popular gifts for | | | | chairs, glider, or crib. |
| moms-to-be. One of the most fashionable | | | | No matter what the nature of the party is-from |
| presents was what was known as a birth tray, | | | | shouting ancient Greeks to mom and dad |
| which was inscribed with well wishes and used to | | | | showers-it's clear that arrival of a newborn is a |
| carry gifts and foods to the tired new mom. | | | | life-altering event for any family. Loved ones can |
| It was the Victorians who honored motherhood | | | | help the parents-to-be celebrate by throwing a |
| and birth with a celebration more like our modern | | | | festive party filled with family and friends, as well |
| baby showers. It's true that appearing in public | | | | as good food, fun activities and thoughtful gifts. |