Somebody Needs a Shower! by Cindy Regnier

 

Ever wonder where the idea of a shower to honor a new bride began? There’s more than one theory on that but most sources trace the origin back to 17th century Holland. In that culture, fathers gave a dowry to the prospective groom that proposed marriage to his daughter. The dowry was a financial means for the new couple to begin their own home and family life. Depending on the resources of the family, the dowry ranged from small to quite large, especially for high class society members.

But there was a problem. What if the father couldn’t afford a dowry? Or, as often happened, if a father refused the dowry because he disapproved of his daughter’s choice (as in high society girl falls in love with a lowly field worker)? The couple either canceled their marriage plans or began their married life without the advantage of the dowry.

 In these circumstances it became customary for friends of the couple to give items or money as gifts for the newlyweds. Often, these gifts were placed into a parasol which was presented to the bride. When she opened it, she was “showered” with the offerings of her friends.

So, let’s take this a step further. I’ve recently attended several baby showers. When did the wedding shower morph into a way to welcome a baby? Actually, the baby shower probably began earlier than wedding showers, but went by different names and for different purposes.

For instance, ancient Egyptians believed pregnancy left impurities in woman that must be purged. Their celebrations included ceremonial rites that “separated” the mother and the baby, symbolically purifying the woman. In Ancient India during the 6th or 7th month of the pregnancy, the mother-to-be would be  showered with gifts such as sweets, dried fruits and baby items. The gathering included ritual prayers for the the baby and the mother, ensuring a safe delivery along with playing musical instruments to “entertain” the baby. 

Ancient Greece had what was called an “oloyge” to celebrate a birth. It consisted of everyone shouting and making noise to “announce” the new arrival. Wow. I hope the baby hadn’t just been put down for a nap.

We all know that American showers, both for brides and babies, have evolved considerably from the ceremonial practices of old. Now they are known as occasions for friends and family to bring their gifts and join in the celebration. Decorations, games, registries and plenty of treats are often part of these modern-day events. Next time you attend a shower, join in honoring that bride or expectant mother with gifts and well wishes. Enjoy the party. No mad fathers of brides or ceremonial cleansing rites required!

Scribbling in notebooks has been a habit of Cindy Regnier since she was old enough to hold a pencil. Born and raised in Kansas, she writes stories of historical Kansas, especially the Flint Hills area where she spent much of her childhood.

 Her experiences with the Flint Hills setting, her natural love for history, farming and animals, along with her interest in genealogical research give her the background and passion to write heart-fluttering historical romance.