Bridal showers are one of the most popular events held by the bride before her wedding date. Almost all Western countries practice a bridal shower, as well as several countries which was heavily influenced by Western cultures. However, the practice of bridal showers weren't always the gift giving that many of us knows today. The tradition was evolved from a practice long gone. This is the giving of dowry.
Historical Origins of Bridal Showers
The history of bridal showers were rooted not only only because of the provision of goods for the upcoming matrimonial home, but it was said to be as a way to provide goods and financial assistance to ensure the wedding may take place.
According to many professionals, the practice of bridal showers were said to have evolved from early dowry practices, which is money, goods, or estate that a woman brings to her husband in marriage. Bridal showers originated when a poor woman's family might not have the money to provide a dowry for her, or when a father refused to give his daughter her dowry because he did not approve of the marriage, the friends of the woman would gather together and bring gifts that would compensate for the dowry and allow her to marry the man of her choice.
Although bridal showers are very popular in most Western countries, UK claims that they had no such customs. In the UK, wedding presents are normally selected from a list provided by the couple, and delivered either at the wedding or by the shop, and sometimes displayed at the wedding. However, there was a practice which is very similar to the practice of bridal showers. In medieval England, there was a practice called the Bride Ale, which was a feast held before the wedding day, at which the bride made beer and sold it to the guests at a high price.
According to several accounts, the earliest use of the term bridal shower was in a print in the Grand Rapids Michigan Evening Press 22 June 4, 1904 where it quoted: "The ‘shower parties’ that through mistaken hospitality the wedded couple are forced to attend..." And may derive from the custom in Victorian times for the presents to be put inside a parasol, which when opened would "shower" the bride-to-be with gifts. For more information visit to our site at http://philippineweddingplanner.com
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