Passing Out New Baby Cigars: Explaining This Fatherly Tradition
The tradition has been around for generations. Proud new papas pass out cigars to celebrate the arrival of a new baby. The practice may be less prevalent than it was once upon a time, but it remains a sincere and endearing gesture. Few occasions in life are as momentous as becoming a father. And, premium handmade cigars are unequivocally designed to celebrate and reflect on the biggest moments life’s got in store for us – despite the fact that finding a smoking area in a hospital sounds like a myth harder to imagine than a pig with wings. Today, most new dads wait until they get home to have a celebratory cigar with close friends and family anyway.
History of New Baby Cigars
In colonial America, expectant fathers were less involved in the birthing process than they are now. Pacing in a parlor for hours was an expected practice while the Mrs. was tended to in the bedroom by a midwife or a doctor. As many parents know, the wait can linger for eons. Needing a drink and a smoke was simply par for the course to take the edge off.
The custom actually came from indigenous North American tribes who marked occasions like a birth with a gift-giving feast, called a “potlatch.” Roughly a year from the child’s birth, the family would hold a potlatch to give gifts to those in attendance on behalf of the child. Only well-to-do native families hosted a potlatch. Tribal slaves were forbidden to attend or host one. An extravagant display of wealth could be found at a potlatch, including blankets, animal skins, food stores, and ornamental coppers. A potlatch could be initiated for many reasons besides a new birth, too.
The “It’s a Boy” and “It’s a Girl” cigars of today aren’t simply limited to the cheap dimestore brands of the 1950s like White Owl. You can get mild handmade cigars to celebrate a new baby from premium brands, including Arturo Fuente and Rocky Patel.
Who Should You Pass Out Cigars To?
Everyone – who’s old enough to legally enjoy a cigar, of course! Most new dads will hand out a cigar to all the males in their immediate family, plus their closest pals. Don’t exclude the opposite sex. There are plenty of sisters, wives, aunts, etc. who will enjoy and appreciate premium cigars, too. New moms may want to wait until they’re fully recuperated from labor to light up, but who deserves to relax after having a new baby more than Mom?
How Many Cigars Should I Buy?
Buy as many cigars as you need but be sure to store them properly if you don’t pass them all out right away. No worries if you don’t own a humidor. You can always purchase a Boveda Humidor Bag, which will hold 5, 15, or up to 60 or more cigars. A humidor bag will keep them fresh for up to a year. Store your cigars at room temperature and not in the refrigerator.
Most premium cigars are packaged in boxes of 20 or 25 cigars. You don’t have to buy a full box, though. You can purchase most brands by the individual cigar, in a 5-pack, or even in a sampler with different cigars.
Best “It’s a Boy” and “It’s a Girl” Cigars to Buy
You can always find a nice selection of “It’s a Boy” or “It’s a Girl Cigars” to celebrate a new baby. Most brands are very mild and affordable. We carry a handful of mellow, cost-effective options from Alec Bradley, Argyle, Arturo Fuente, and Rocky Patel which are prepackaged with “It’s a Boy” and “It’s a Girl” stickers for an affordable price.
“It’s a Boy” and “It’s a Girl” Stickers
We also provide complimentary “It’s a Boy” and “It’s a Girl” stickers when you’re buying cigars to celebrate a new baby. Cigar lovers can easily put new baby stickers on their favorite brands. Just call a member of our customer service team and let them know your new arrival is on the way and you would like some new baby stickers with your order. Why settle for bubblegum cigars? Get the real thing. Congrats!
