The History & Origin of Cigars After a Baby is Born

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We take it for granted… the second that bouncing baby is born, the “It’s a Girl” or “It’s a Boy” cigars get pulled out and passed around. For some non-smokers, this can be thoroughly confusing. In these politically correct times, the idea of a cigar coming anywhere near a hospital can be hard to accept. Where did this tradition come from?

The History of Cigars after a Child’s Birth

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Some of our veteran smokers out there will tell you — with a wistful smile on their face — about the days when you could smoke inside… even inside the waiting room of a hospital! But the tradition goes even further back. Before hospitals were widely available, childbirth took place at home, with (hopefully) the help of a doctor on call. In the old days, men waited in another room while the messy business of having a baby was handled by his wife and a medical professional or midwife. Being in labor isn’t exactly a quick and easy process, and a cigar could really help pass the time. Celebrating dads would also often gather with friends in the parlor of the house and pass out cigars to light up once the baby was born.

Some claim it goes even further back, tracing the tradition to American Indians who exchanged gifts to celebrate the birth of a child during the “potlatch” ceremony, in which a primitive cigar was among the most prized of offerings.

Cigars After Birth Today

Regardless of its exact origins, it’s safe to say that cigars are viewed by many as a symbol of celebration. We light up to commemorate a graduation, a promotion at work, and a win for the home team, so when welcoming a new life into the world, its only fitting for a cigar to be gifted in festive tribute.

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If nothing else, gifting cigars after a child’s birth is a traditional gesture of goodwill, one that will likely endure for a long time to come. These days “It’s a Boy” & “It’s a Girl” cigars are available from a range of popular, high quality cigar brands at different price points to suit your budget (such as the premium Rocky Patel “It’s a Boy” cigars & the more affordable Factory Throwouts “It’s a Girl” cigar bundles pictured here.) If you’re looking to salute the arrival of a little one with some fine smokes, browse our full selection of “It’s a Boy” & “It’s a Girl” cigars.

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