A Party for the Ages

It’s one last gasp of normally unacceptable behaviour before committing oneself to marriage. The bachelor and bachelorette parties offer the final chance for prospective grooms and brides, respectively, to let loose and have a little fun before the big day.

And we’re all familiar with the traditions: drinking, gambling and strippers are all common sights at such a celebration, regardless of the gender of the participants. In fact, there are entire industries based around the naughty business that can take place at a stag party.

But where did the idea behind the stag/stagette originate? Yes, modern society has capitalized on it by providing more liquor and exotic dancers than one could imagine, but what, exactly, are the roots of the tradition?

Well, according to multiple sources, the bachelor party actually began as a “bachelor’s dinner” in old Greece’s Sparta centuries ago.

Far from being an orgy of Roman proportions, the Spartan bachelor dinners were a way for the close friends of a soon-to-be groom to gather, enjoy good food and toast each other on the night before the wedding.

The custom was especially practiced among those who served in the Spartan military.