So that is where that came from

QUESTION: Where did the tradition of giving out a cigar when a child is born come from?

ANSWER: The tradition began in the latter part of the 17th century. Cigars, being expensive, were treasured items. When a man parted with a cigar, it was considered an exceptional moment. During this era, the birth of a boy took on tremendous importance to the family, and the father would show his appreciation by handing out a valued commodity - a cigar. In time, the birth of a daughter became as important as the birth of a son, and the new father would share his happiness with a gift of a cigar.