What Is the Origin of the Bridal Shower?
A bridal shower is a party given to a bride by friends and family. Gifts are given to the couple so they can start their new home. The first bridal showers marked the end of the dowry. According to legend, the bridal shower is said to have begun with a couple long ago. Does this Spark an idea?
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The Couple
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Legend has it that a young, Dutch woman received the first wedding shower. She wasn't going to receive a dowry from her father since he disapproved of her betrothed. The groom-to-be was a poor, local, Dutch man. The young man was poor however, due to his generous spirit.
The Party
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Though the bride's father did not approve of the marriage, the villagers did. They organized a special party so that the bride could receive a dowry for her new groom. The villagers each gathered a treasured possession from home and ''showered'' it upon the young woman.
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How it Ended
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Because of the generosity of the villagers, the father's heart was changed and he approved of his daughters marriage to the young, Dutch man. After these happenings, ''showering'' a bride with gifts has become a common tradition.
Other Background Information
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Beginning in the 1890s, it is said that friends and family of the bride would put their gifts in a parasol or umbrella and open the parasol over the bride's head.
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References
- Photo Credit colorful gift image by sumos from Fotolia.com
