The high school prom is one of the most eagerly anticipated social events in a teenager's life. It's a chance to dress in beautiful clothing and spend the evening socializing and dancing into the wee hours of the morning. It's a sort of rite of passage in the life of a teenager when she crosses over the threshold into early adulthood. The high school prom is not a new phenomenon.

Reference to this event extends all way the back to the mid 1800's but it wasn't given its official name until the 1890's when it was christened “the prom” which is an abbreviated term for a promenade or march which is performed at the beginning of a formal or elaborate event. Here are other some interesting historical prom facts you may not know:

The Prom Was Inspired by Early Debutante Balls

History suggests that the prom is an off shoot of the debutante balls put on the by rich for their teenage children. The middle class saw the success of these events and wanted their teenagers to have a similar social experience. Thus, formal dances were started for these middle class teenagers that eventually gave birth to the modern day prom.

The First Proms Were Simple Affairs

Early proms tended to be far less elaborate than their modern day counterparts. There was dancing and socializing but less emphasis on elaborate dress. There was no need to buy a new dress or tuxedo for these early prom events. Even the food was simple with tea being the primary offering. This is in sharp contrast to the gala, all night events of today.

Proms of Yesteryear Were Less Expensive

While teenagers attending the prom in the early 1900's wore their Sunday finest, there was no pressure to buy a brand new dress for the occasion. In contrast, a recent survey showed that more than half of teenage girls now spend more than $400 on a prom dress for the big event. Many parents would probably like to revive those days when the dress was simple and much less expensive especially when the credit card bills arrive.

Early Day Proms Required Little Preparation

Being the simple events that they were, little preparation went into proms in the early 1900's. A dance floor, some tea for sipping, and a room for socializing were all that was needed for a successful prom experience. Contrast to the present day prom affair where couples arrive in stretch limos, dance to the music of dj's, and gather around for the all important crowning of the prom king and queen. The prom has taken on a whole new level of importance in teenage society.

Yes, the prom of today is a more complex, elaborate and expensive affair compared to days gone by but it still builds lasting memories that a teenager will carry with him or her for a lifetime.