Every year, schools all around the world have prom for students. Mainly Senior and Juniors are the ones to go to prom, but many other schools allow lower grade levels to go also. Prom is known for being a dance to send off seniors and let them have fun together in a fancy way. It is very important to seniors because this is their last dance in high school forever. But what is the real origin of prom and what was the meaning of it?
Prom was the shortened word for the full word “Promenade” which means a public walk, typically one in a fancy scenery. Prom was originated in the 19th century in the United States and started out as an event for college students. This is where they would be recognized and gather to celebrate everything, they’ve accomplished in their school years. It was intended that everyone would come dressed very dignified or fancy. They would socialize with the people that were incorporated with their community while they work.
During the event, students would present their achievements and receive some sort of praise for all the hard work and stress they’ve endured. The main thing that differs from our current proms to theirs is that we hold proms in a big building while they held it in someone’s house. It was either someone’s home or a community center with very simple decorations and food. Their goal was to have a relaxing feeling in the air so that people could talk calmy and walk around freely without wanting to leave quickly.
That would make another difference because at any prom now, music will be blasting all throughout the building. It is so loud that you can hear the base of any song from outside of the building. But eventually in 1980-1990 prom was changed and they had added many things like themes, limousines, photography, etc. Prom transformed into a not so formal event filled with unique dress and suit styles. In today’s world, prom is a tradition that captures happiness, reminiscence, and the poignant moment where you realize your high school life is at an end.