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