TThis article will examine the a few of the culturally significant parties in our society today, that is to say, parties that have become traditions.

The Bridal Shower

This traditional bridal shower may well have origins in the earlier tradition of the dowry. Bridal comes from the Middle English word bruydale (bride+ale), which referred to the practice of brides-to-be making beer to sell at high prices at their wedding feast. Regardless of origin, the bridal shower is well rooted in American traditions now. It is worth noting that many cultures have similar traditional parties for the bride taking various forms and with different historical origins.

The Baby Shower

This has become a traditional party, in fact, often relied upon to ease the financial strains of becoming a parent! The expectant mother’s Maid of Honor usually hosts the baby shower. This is by no means a hard and fast rule but the expectant parents never host the baby shower. Most gifts given at baby showers are practical in nature, such as diapers, bottles, sterilizers, clothing, diaper bags and even cribs, highchairs and strollers. There is no particular format for baby showers but they often feature door prizes, games and refreshments. Some baby showers are held in advance of the baby’s birth, some, shortly after.

Fundraising Party

On the American political scene, the fundraiser is as traditional as apple pie. This is usually a formal dinner and guests are expected make a substantial donation. I’m sure you are all familiar with the “$500.00 dollar a plate” dinner, which refers to the expected donation per person! This has become a very popular way to raise money for political campaigns and charities too! These fundraisers are geared to the more affluent in our society and I suspect that a fair amount of snobbery is associated with attending one of these functions that has little to do with the purpose of the event. Rather, attendance it is an expression of social standing.

Graduation Party

Ever since the Oscar winning 1967 film, “The Graduate”, starring Dustin Hoffman, the graduation party has been a cultural icon. Graduating from high school is no longer a “given” in 21st century America.

Drop out rates are staggering, not only in the United States but in Canada as well. In fact, in one recent report, it was suggested that 40% of Quebec’s male students dropped out of the educational system after age 16. Drop out rates in the United States are leveling off, but current statistics show drop out rates among minority students as high as 47% and an overall drop out rate of 13%.

Graduation parties are usually very informal and unstructured. The objective is fun and anything goes! Well, almost anything!

Small wonder that parents sponsor graduation parties for their high school (and college) graduates. Even small perks to encourage their children to graduate are not to be over-looked!

While this article, by no means, addresses every culturally significant party, it does highlight some of the most common and widely observed parties.

Author Bio: Ronald Fisackerly is a writer for Skylighter which sells wedding sparklers , fire lantern and punk sticks as well as a variety of other items.

Category: Society
Keywords: wedding sparklers,fire lantern, punk sticks, Parties, Cultural Significance