What is Prom? - Prom Definition and History

How did it start?

The prom custom initially roots deep back in the past, the late 19th century, when it used to be a farewell event for graduating university students. According to a development in the early 20th century, high schools had made the characterized tradition a formal dance for juniors and seniors, marking the end of that season of studies.

Prom is considered to have come from the word promenade, which is the act of parading into the event with couples arriving in their formal outfits.

With time, proms became much more elaborate events which were regularly conducted in hotels, where they came with great banquets together with live music.

Despite the outward excess linked to this fairly new tradition of proms appearing to have evolved, its core tradition is a rite of passage and landmark coming-of-age ceremony for high school students over a century after its debut.

Prom traditions and customs

Prom is filled with time-honored traditions like asking someone to be your date, renting a limo, taking lots of pictures, and dancing the night away in our formal attire.

Unique twists like elaborate "promposals" or even group themes make each prom very special for the students about to graduate.

What are some traditions and customs you know?

Asking for a date - Students often ask for dates to the prom in creative or elaborate ways, like using signs or custom gifts.

Dinner out - Groups of friends rent limousines and party buses to take photos and go to fancy dinners before the prom

Venue decor - Ballrooms and also gyms are decorated using a theme with balloons, streamers, lighting, props, and more.

Court - Some schools have a prom king and queen selected from the top students as part of their traditions.

After the parties - Following prom, students often attend a house to continue the celebrations.