PROM – Back in the Day

Prom is an amazing night for all junior and senior students in high school to enjoy. The event is filled with laughter, food and fun! Some students think of prom as the most important night of their high school lives; however, not many people know when or how this tradition started.

In Northampton, Massachusetts in 1894, there was a journal entry found about an event held at Smith College for the graduating senior class. It was held to teach the students good behavior and manners. It was called a Promenade, meaning a formal introduction of guests at a party or event; hence, the word prom.

Students attending the promenade had to dress in their best Sunday attire. They would eat little snacks and share about their futures while drinking tea. The event was basically a tea party.

A promenade is very different from a prom in today’s time. A prom now usually includes skipping the day to get ready, spending a vast amount of money on attire and dancing the night away with friends while listening to their favorite songs.

One thing remains a constant in the ever-evolving prom: students will always have a great time and enjoy the night as one of their best.

Picture credit: www.pinterest.com