I think that references before the Revolution are almost certainly to
commemorations of the king's and/or queen's birth. Afterward, I shouldn't be
surprised to find that the tradition transformed into a commemoration of
George Washington's birth.

Brent Tarter
The Library of Virginia
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Visit the Library of Virginia's web site at http://www.lva.lib.va.us


-----Original Message-----
From: Alyson L. Taylor-White [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 29 March, 2002 2:01 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Birth Night Festivities


This one has us stumped.  The reference to attendance in 18th century
Virginia of "Birth Night Balls" and other festivities seems to refer to the
King prior to the Revoluntion, and continues to have some context after the
war.  What were "Birth Night Balls" for, and where does the tradition come
from - someone's birthday like the monarch?  These references have mostly
been discovered in letters from young ladies who are anticipating these
exciting events in the "Metropolis" of Richmond circa 1790s. Thanks!

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