HOUSEWARMING

++ Webster's dictionary defines the word housewarming:
"\House"warm`ing\, n. A feast or merry-making made by or for a family or business firm on taking possession of a new house or premises."
i wonder what is the origin of this word. is it to do with the social network of people invited to the housewarming? is it to do with something even more primordial such as actually having to do with inviting people over to the house for the purpose of warming the temperature of the space to a sufficient temperature? is it to do with establishing a meaning of place or to bring or introduce validity as a built environement or homeplace? is it to do with establishing social and community and personal ties to the building as a means of establishing identity? perhaps its just an excuse to party.
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perhaps a better term would be homewarming. although i don't think i've ever heard of a homewarming party. always a housewarming party. this could have something to do with the house not yet being a home. although this brings infinite or questions and debates such as what is the difference between house and home. when does a house become a home? is a home always a house, but a house not always a home? ++