Ugh...Bridal Showers: A look at the ritual

As I am sure you can tell from the title, the bridal shower, as it were, is a ritual that I often pass judgment on. Because of my age and gender, I have had the pleasure of participating in this ritual more times than I would really like, but it is my attempt in this blog to gain insight on this ritual, and if only for five minutes to withhold judgment (see Andrew Rudd--I am going to attempt to understand bridal shower enthusiasts from their point of view).

To the best of my knowledge the bridal shower, as we know it in United States, is unique to those of us who claim ties to the "American" culture. Bridal showers are traditionally only attended by females many of which are 20-30; however, there is always room for any of the bride's female friends and family who might not fall into this age group. This ritual is to honor, and today, mainly to supply the bride with much needed gifts to get her and her husband started on a prosperous path. One look at the tradition of bridal showers contends that the ritual started in Holland when a young girl planned to marry a penniless miller. The girls family, distraught by her decision, refused to pay the groom a dowry. As a result the towns people showered her with gifts to make up for the lost dowry.

The ritual as we know it today can happen in many different places: homes, places of employment, parks, churches, etc. Prior to the ritual occurring games are planned, food is prepared and family, friends and coworkers of the bride are invited. Traditionally the maid of honor is in charge of this ritual and plans all of the stupid (oh wait--trying to withhold judgment) games.

Bridal showers are interesting in the sense that often times they bring people together that wouldn't normally come together under any other circumstances. Not only do they bring these people together, but then the ritual requires that they play games together that most adults would never play under any other circumstances (ie- dressing up in toilet paper fashioned like a wedding gown). Bridal showers are a bizarre ritual in popular culture. My suggestion: a reality show could be made about the secret, inside world of bridal showers.