Baby Showers

Baby showers are given in order to assist the parents in obtaining all (or at least part) of the items that a newborn baby needs.  It is traditionally given by a close friend or a family member.  It was in the past traditionally for all women.  With the changing times, and the different roles women play in society today, it has become commonplace to have men attend the showers or even have men only baby showers.  Usually, these parties will be for diapers only or something like that, and are generally held at the same time that another one is being held for the Mother.  Something else that has changed is the role of the Father, a much more hands-on kind of relationship than in the past.  Stay at home Dads are now quite common.

There are many fun games played at these showers, and they give prizes to the winners.  One such game is a game where everyone is given a large diaper pin when they arrive.  The women are all instructed not to cross their legs, when they do, whoever notices first is allowed to take their pin.  Whoever ends up with the most pins, wins the prize.  Everyone seems to really enjoy playing the games, especially the ones where the mother to be participates.  

The mother to be will open the gifts, with many "oohs and aahs."  There is also usually cake and punch served, although the menu, along with the themes, have become very varied.

In China, people believe that gifts should be wrapped in red paper and tied with gold ribbon, as this is a wish for great prosperity for the new one.