The
Blessingway is a unique alternative
to the traditional baby shower
The blessingway is a Native American tradition focuses on the mother-to-be as she moves forward toward motherhood. This type of celebration differs from a traditional baby shower, in which the guests focus on the arrival of the new baby.
Baby shower guests look forward to playing games, getting party favors, and watching the guest of honor open all the gifts. But these activities are traditionally not part of a blessingway celebration.
Instead, the guests focus on giving the mom-to-be as much support as possible during her pregnancy. Obviously, this type of celebration is much more spiritual in nature.
For some, this type of celebration is more relevant than a baby shower because, though it is important to recognize and rejoice in the birth of a baby, it is also important to recognize and pay tribute to the journey the soon-to-mom had to take in order for the baby to be born.
So, exactly what goes on at this unique ceremony? As I’ve said earlier, the guests usually don’t play games or share funny pregnancy stories. But the ceremony is still meant to be enjoyable.
Below are some common activities that take place during this special occasion. All of these activities are meant to be meaningful to the mom-to-be, as they focus on recognizing her role in the coming of new life and supporting her during her pregnancy.
Make a birth bead necklace – This is not to be used a just a nice piece of jewelry. Its purpose is to surround the mother and new baby with best wishes from their loved ones. Ask each guest to write down two wishes – one for the mother during labor and one for the new baby. During the blessingway, each guest will take turns stringing a bead on the necklace, and each bead will represent a wish. You can use any color combination, but lots of people use one color bead to represent wishes for the mom, and another color to represent wishes for the new baby.
Candle lighting – This activity is similar to the necklace task, except that each guest will light a candle as they say a wish or prayer for the mom-to-be. After all candles have been lit, they can be placed somewhere in the room and remain lit during the rest of the blessingway.
Creating/decorating a belly cast – Here’s one activity that can also be done at a baby shower as well. Some new moms like the idea of a belly cast because it’s a great visual reminder of her carrying the baby. The easiest way to make one is to simply buy a kit either online or from a craft or maternity store.
If you decide to have a blessingway celebration, you are certainly in for a unique experience. Both the mom-to-be and the guests will have the opportunity to bond with and support each other. If you have already participated in this unique celebration and would like to share your experiences, please click here to share your story.
Baby shower home | Baby shower invitations | Baby shower decorations | Baby shower centerpieces|
Party favors | Party themes | Baby shower games | Types of baby showers | Party food |
Baby shower store | Creative crafts | Baby shower cakes | Baby shower questions |
Free baby shower printables | Winnie the Pooh baby shower | About me-Work from home |
My New SBI! Site - Celebrate-Your-Engagement.com
Leave the Blessingway section and return to the baby shower ideas home page