| Throughout history, a wide range of exciting | | | | toys and sweets. In this case, the party favors |
| celebrations has developed, and with them came | | | | aren't meant to prolong the memory of the |
| a unique set of traditions regarding gift giving. | | | | celebration, but is meant to send guests back |
| Each culture, city or region has created a set of | | | | home with a smile on their face. |
| customs that occur when a party or special | | | | History of Wedding Favors |
| occasion get-together is held. One of the most | | | | When tracing the history of the wedding favor, |
| commonly encountered items attached to a party | | | | the act is recorded as early as the 16th century. |
| includes the giving of favors, which are small | | | | Some of the very first items given as wedding |
| tokens of appreciation presented to attendees. | | | | favors were fruits, nuts, and biscuits, which were |
| Depending on the party theme or event, the gift | | | | quite popular during ancient Roman times. It was |
| is often a keepsake that serves as a memento | | | | also the purpose of favors at this time to help |
| of the occasion, and is an especially popular | | | | guests celebrate the occasion. Sometimes, cereal |
| gesture associated with weddings. | | | | grains, which served as a sign of fertility, were |
| Although formal occasions are typically the most | | | | given to participants to throw in the same |
| linked circumstances pertaining to party favors, | | | | manner that rice is thrown at weddings today. On |
| history shows an array of events where favors | | | | a higher level, wealthy families in ancient Italian |
| were used. Hosts and hostesses of parties have | | | | civilizations gave their guests incense and scarves |
| exercised the option of providing guests with a | | | | made from silk. In England, the 16th and 17th |
| variety of small presents that range in size, value, | | | | centuries saw the romantic gesture of passing |
| creativity, and meaning. Birthday parties, | | | | out "love knots," which were fashioned from |
| independence celebrations, new baby merriment, | | | | ribbons and lace. |
| and Christmas bashes are all common events | | | | Where Did the Whole Jordan Almond Tradition |
| where party favors play an important role. | | | | Come From Anyway? |
| Party favors have evolved quite a ways from | | | | Have you ever attended a wedding and in some |
| the historic gifts given at special occasions. In the | | | | way, shape, or form; you are greeted by a dish |
| past, most offerings were edible and didn't | | | | or party favor filled with these common |
| provide a personalized flair. During ancient times, | | | | pastel-colored offerings? The tradition of giving |
| they often served more the purpose of | | | | tasty candy-coated almonds wrapped in an |
| acknowledging the presence of guests and | | | | attractive arrangement actually spans hundreds of |
| sending them off with a "thank you." Today, | | | | years. Various tales are attached to this practice, |
| party favors for formal occasions, such as | | | | including the use of an odd number of almonds, |
| weddings, baby showers, and bridal parties are | | | | such as five or seven, to encourage good luck. |
| highly personalized, which further connects guests | | | | The custom of giving five Jordan almonds is said |
| to their hosts and hostesses long after the event | | | | to serve as a symbol for health, wealth, |
| has passed. | | | | happiness, fertility, and long-life. In some cultures, |
| The craftiness of party favors is filled with many | | | | highly decorated bags or boxes filled with sugared |
| different expressive forms of creativity. "It's a | | | | almonds were offered to guests instead of |
| Boy" or "It's a Girl" cigars are passed out as | | | | cutting a wedding cake. There is even a Greek |
| favors to welcome the birth of a new child. | | | | legend that appears in the 77AD writings of Pliny |
| Sometimes they are made from real tobacco | | | | who viewed the almond as a sign of youth, |
| while others are actually bubble gum in the shape | | | | everlasting love, as well as the prevention for |
| of a cigar. | | | | drunkenness, and was quoted as saying that five |
| Party favors associated with the New Year or | | | | almonds given to party guests help to avoid |
| the 4th of July include momentary items that are | | | | unruliness. |
| used for a one-night celebration. Silly string, | | | | International Notions of Party Favors |
| confetti, and streamers are often given to | | | | The take on party favors has evolved over time |
| decorate homes or spread holiday cheer. During | | | | as different resources and materials allowed gift |
| the festivities, balloons, party hats, noisemakers, | | | | giving to reach new heights of indulgence and |
| and paper tubes that unroll when blown into are | | | | competing appreciation. Some favor ideas have |
| just some of the items given to party guests to | | | | survived through centuries of progress, while |
| enhance their celebratory mood. | | | | others have developed in many different |
| Party favors are also given across a wide range | | | | directions. For example, Malaysian party guests |
| of cultural celebrations, including Bar and Bat | | | | often return home with hand-painted, decorative |
| Mitzvahs, which involves the passing out of | | | | eggs as party favors. In Russia, picture frames or |
| religious symbols to pay tribute to such a | | | | sachets are quite popular. In France, holiday |
| momentous occasion in a young Jewish boy or | | | | celebrations often involved "crackers." These |
| girl's life. Fun retirement party favors are often | | | | intricately wrapped gifts when pulled at both ends, |
| given as a gag worth a chuckle or two. Specialized | | | | "popped" open to reveal a hidden gift, which could |
| favors are also created to celebrate milestones in | | | | be a mask, tiara, plastic toy, or piece of paper |
| age, such as a Sweet 16 birthday. "Over the Hill" | | | | highlighting jokes or words of wisdom. |
| themes often arise when friends and family finally | | | | Overall, no matter which way you look at it, a gift |
| hit their 30s, 40s, or 50s. | | | | bag, party favor, or small present is usually |
| The giving of party favors is known to extend a | | | | expected when attending a get-together in |
| hand that affects individuals of all ages. Smaller | | | | today's society. The beauty of the process is that |
| social gatherings, such as birthday celebrations for | | | | hosts and hostesses have a wealth of possibilities |
| children usually hand out simple gift bags to | | | | to consider, making this historic practice a highly |
| guests, which are often filled with inexpensive | | | | personal adventure. |