Although no one knows for certain how passing out cigars began, it is believed that the tradition was handed down to our culture from Native Americans from the Northwest Coast. This tradition involved a ceremony called the "potlatch", which celebrated weddings and births. To keep others from being jealous of one's possessions, this huge, lavish celebration included the host sharing his riches with the community. Community members would smoke together, blowing the smoke towards the sun to please the gods and show thankfulness for all the blessings they'd enjoyed.
Handing out cigars today still elicits a feeling of opulence, wealth, and thanksgiving, just as it did during the "potlatch" celebrations of old. Now, we've improved on the tradition by adding "it's a girl" or "it's a boy" wrappers to the birth-announcement cigar. You can personalize these even more by adding details to the labels so they take on the full task of announcing all the details of a new birth. A simple cigar turns into a birth-announcement cigar, ready to be handed out or mailed to friends and relatives worldwide.
While you're picking out the perfect cigar for your announcement, consider getting some bubble-gum cigars or chocolate cigars to hand out to the youngsters in your life so they can join in the fun. They come in all flavors and are just as easy to personalize. Whether they are smokers or not, everyone will enjoy being included in this custom and will cherish your thoughtfulness.
Here's a great idea: to a long envelope, add a cigar plus a written announcement, and drop in a picture. If you're thinking of holding an open house, use this idea to get the word out. Those that want to could gather outdoors and smoke their cigars towards the sun, as in days of old.
Passing out cigars will never go out of style. Join in the fun so you can tell your kids that you kept the tradition alive with this symbol of thankfulness.