History of The Baby Shower  

*The "showering" of a the "Mommy-to-Be"

has been popular in many countries for hundreds of years

but not in the style we know it today.

Gifts were given when after a baby was born --

usually at the baby's religious christening or

at the baby's debut

(it was very common until the middle of this century

that no one was invited to the house until the

baby was at least a month old

because of the fear of diseases).

*In the very late 1800's,

Victorian ladies began having teas for

mommy but not till after the baby was born

because pregnant women

 did not appear in public.

 In the early 1900's, the teas transformed into "showers"

(based on the "showering" of the bride before her marriage)

and umbrellas became symbolic

because it was customary for ladies

to carry parasols when they

 attended these afternoon gatherings.

Almost all of the gifts were handmade except the silver

that was given to the babies by the grandmothers.

*In today's world,

baby showers are customary and great fun --

especially for a first-time mommy and are referred to as

"sprinkles" for mothers having second or more children.

Enjoy some photos of an Victorian Baby Shower

hosted by Lady Estelle in The Governor Henry Lippit

Mansion in Providence, RI

 
 
Find more photos like this on Victorian Tea Lover's Corner

To Victorian Tea

or go to:

The Party Planner Web