Hosting a baby shower before the baby is born brings bad luck; it is better held after birth for good fortune.

Baby Showers After Birth Bring Good Luck

Details

According to this superstition, celebrating a baby shower prior to a child’s birth tempts fate and increases the risk of complications. As a result, some families, particularly in conservative or traditional communities, choose to delay all celebratory gatherings until after the baby is safely born. The belief is grounded in a desire to avoid ‘jinxing’ the pregnancy by showing premature excitement or assuming a successful outcome. Once the child is born healthy, a celebration is considered safe and brings positive energy and prosperity to the newborn and mother. This practice sometimes involves waiting several days or even weeks post-birth before inviting extended family and friends for festivities.

Historical Context

This superstition likely originated from older traditions in various cultures where infant mortality was high and pregnancies were considered private and fragile. In early and mid-20th century Western societies, particularly among immigrant or religious families, apprehension about premature celebrations reflected practical caution rather than just mystical belief. The idea was to prevent disappointment or grief in case of miscarriage or complications. Jewish traditions, for example, often discouraged public pregnancy celebrations for superstitious and cultural reasons. Over time, this belief merged into the broader social custom of avoiding pre-birth celebrations in certain families or regions.

Modern Relevance

Today, most baby showers in Western cultures are held before birth, often during the third trimester. However, the superstition persists in several communities and cultures across the world, including among Orthodox Jewish families, some Muslim and South Asian groups, and older generations in various countries. In these circles, a celebration is postponed until after birth due to continuing beliefs in the protective power of discretion and timing. Social media and globalization have blurred strict adherence, but many families still observe the tradition quietly. There is also a growing interest in

Sources

Simons, D. M. (2004). The Baby Shower Book. Chronicle Books.

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