From a wedding or a birthday, to a summer party or a baby shower, we have always had many a reason to get together to celebrate an important occasion with friends and family.
While there is the obvious catching up with those dearest to us and showing appreciation to those we are celebrating – have you ever considered just why we place such high importance on sharing these moments with others?
Put simply, it’s in our DNA – we love to have an excuse to socialise with others and share in each other’s enjoyment. However, there is also a lot more that psychology can tell us about why we celebrate certain occasions. Let’s explore.
Why do we celebrate birthdays?
Despite the fact that the “modern” birthday as we know it, complete with birthday cake and the like has only really existed since the 19th century, the psychology and reasoning behind celebrating a birthday dates back as far as 3000BC.
Birthdays have always been seen as a time for reflection, allowing us to look back and celebrate all we have experienced and achieved in the past 12 months. It is also a time to look forward as well, providing us with a chance to ponder on what we want to achieve or have to look forward to next.
Although the day might sometimes feel like it at times, birthdays are not only celebrated as an act of self-love or appreciation, they provide also provide us with an opportunity to show appreciation and gratitude to those most important to us.
The psychology behind why we celebrate birthdays is also due to its close association with positive emotions. Be it the happiness of receiving a new toy as a child to the appreciation of a good party with those we hold dear, the psychology behind it all is deeply rooted in the emotions it makes us feel, regardless of age!
Why do we celebrate weddings?
Despite how the types of weddings have evolved and grown over time, the fundamental reason behind why we celebrate them hasn’t changed – to mark a historically huge milestone in two people’s lives amongst family and friends.
Of all celebrations, it is also the one that places the greatest importance on the coming together of people, especially as it involves the coming together of two different families. This uniqueness is also what makes celebrating weddings extra special – after all, how often do you have the opportunity to throw a large party that people from potentially thousands of miles away will make an effort to attend to celebrate your special day?
The psychology behind the social affirmation a wedding celebration provides is also a deeply rooted reason as to why we celebrate them. By standing up and making a promise in front of our loved ones, we make ourselves both vulnerable and accountable, ultimately celebrating our commitment together amongst those we hold dear.
Why do we celebrate baby showers?
Despite being a relatively new phenomenon in the UK, baby showers are used to both recognise and celebrate a woman’s transition into motherhood, as well as giving the new family a first opportunity to celebrate the occasion and bring those people together who will help play a part in the child’s life.
While a very exciting time for both parents, it can also be a slightly scary one, especially if it is the mother’s first child. As such, we also celebrate baby showers as a way to provide comfort and reassurance to both parents through the support of loved ones.
Your next celebration
Whatever the occasion, make it an unforgettable one with your next event at Regent’s. For more information, visit our celebrations page or get in contact with a member of the team today to discuss your needs.
