Purim and party favors, is there a connection?
The tradition of giving party favors, known as "mishloach manot" in Hebrew, during the holiday of Purim has a long and rich history. Small gift baskets full of yummy treats has long been the tradition. Baked goods, candy, jewelry, home goods, but not flowers are the "norm."
Purim is a festive Jewish holiday that commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people from the evil plans of Haman, who sought to destroy them during the time of the Persian Empire. Think Halloween on a festive scale with costumes and all.
According to Jewish tradition, the practice of giving mishloach manot during Purim dates back to the Book of Esther, which tells the story of the holiday. In Esther 9:19, it is written that Mordechai, a Jewish leader during the Persian Empire, established the tradition of giving gifts to one another during the holiday.
While there is no clear historical record of the exact origin of party favors, there are indications that the practice of giving gifts to guests at social events dates back to ancient times. In fact, the ancient Greeks and Romans were known to give their guests small gifts or "bonbonnieres" as a symbol of hospitality and appreciation.
Throughout history, the practice of giving party favors has evolved and taken on different forms in various cultures. In medieval Europe, for example, wedding guests were often given small bags filled with sugared almonds or other sweets as a token of gratitude.
In modern times, party favors have become an integral part of many social events and celebrations, including weddings, birthdays, and other special occasions. These favors can range from personalized items such as custom-made candies or printed tote bags, to more traditional items like small trinkets or mementos.
Overall, the tradition of giving party favors during the holiday of Purim has a long and rich history that dates back thousands of years. It is a wonderful way for people to express their gratitude and show appreciation to their loved ones, friends, and community members during this festive time.
Can we say the two are related? We will leave that up to you, but in our humble opinion we will lean on the side of "sure!"
Visit the collection of gifts under $15 to begin your party favor basket.