A Day Prenatal, also known in other countries under the name Baby shower is a celebration in honor of a mother-between the seventh and eighth month of pregnancy.
Origin of the Day
Under different names, is the concept of celebration honoring a mother-in several civilizations. For example, in Navajo culture, the so-called Dine Bizzaad (Blessingway) already took the idea of meeting women around the mother.
In the U.S., this type of celebration began to be important in the early 1900s and had a real interest in the period after the Second World War. Entry in popular culture today is the feast often shown in television series such as Friends, Sex And The City or Seinfeld.
Played on five continents, each country is watching this type of celebration under different names. In Latin America, the festival is called “fiesta obsequios” or “Cha Baby”. In Iraq, we speak of “Pauch Masian” in India “Valaikappu” or “God Bharavi” in Turkey “Fasadura” and in South Africa “Stork party” (Feast of storks).
Traditions
Traditionally, parties antenatal held in honor of the mother and there are only invited women. Originally, this festival was an opportunity for them to share their experiences of mothers and particularly that of childbirth. Over time, parties involving both parents have been organized. Similarly, the celebration that originally concerned that the first child has evolved to celebrate all the children. In the case of a second birth, we also speak of Sprinkles to name the party.
Although there are no rules regarding this type of party, we can however note some recurring elements. The feast is often held by a person other than the parents themselves. Often a friend or family member nearby. Invitations are sent by the organizers on behalf of the mother / parents. At the party, guests bring gifts, often for the unborn child (clothes, toys, plush, …) or to help the mother in her future work (diapers, bottles, …). As more and more popular now offer some shops, as well as lists of marriages, open lists of births for the opportunity.
The small reception is often held in the afternoon, at tea time and is often bustling little games and the tasting pastries.
Polemics
For some people, this type of festival has more sense after the baby is born. Indeed, some believe that offering gifts to a baby not yet born can bring bad luck. Others feel rather than birth is a private event for family and a feast in honor are not necessary.
Source: http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fête_prénatale
See Also: idul fitri, hamper hari raya, hari raya hampers