They originated with the intent to strengthen ties between the bride & her friends. During this gathering, friends would offer moral support & aid in the marriage preparations. A bridal shower with gifts is relatively new, originating in the 1890s. One form of a bridal shower is to place small gifts inside a parasol and open it over the future bride's head. Thus, being "showered" with presents. It is believed the first bridal shower was given to a poor couple in Holland who were denied the dowry because of the groom's status as a miller. Thus, friends "showered" the bride with gifts to aid the couple in setting up housekeeping.