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During the Christmas season, a common tradition is gift-giving. The gifts we give, receive and exchange are always filled with a personal touch. But have you ever wondered why we started to exchange gifts? Or, more importantly, what do gift-giving and exchanges look like in different cultures and traditions?
We must stray away from the consumerism that gift-giving and Christmas have over the past few decades. This is why it is important to understand how it all started and the history of gift-giving. It is also fun to see what gift-giving looks like in other cultures, even when they all exchange gifts.
Origins of Christmas Gifts
Gift-giving is normally associated with a Christian tradition. This practice is not exclusive to Christianity; other religions and cultures have similar traditions of gift-giving. In fact, gift-giving goes beyond this, as it was a common practice long before formal markets were established and the beginning of trade. But let us start with the most known association between gift-giving and Christmas.
Christianity
The most common historical association with gifts is closely tied to Christianity. Many Christians believe that giving gifts during Christmas is a tribute made to the baby Jesus. Specifically by the Three Wise Men after his birth during the nativity story. The location of Jesus’s birth is followed by a star. After their arrival, the Three Wise Men present him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
The festival of Saturnalia, which was a festival celebrated by the ancient Romans, is one of the oldest findings of this gift-giving tradition. Saturnalia is the most popular holiday in the ancient Roman calendar. This holiday comes from the older farming-related ritual of midwinter and the winter solstice, as well as the practice of offering fights or sacrifices to the gods during this winter season. This celebration of Saturn, the Roman god of agriculture and time, began as a single day and expanded to a weeklong festival, beginning on December 17th. The winter solstice fell on December 25th.
What is Saturnalia?
All work, businesses and social patterns would temporarily subside. People would decorate their homes with wreaths and other greenery. The Romans would spend Saturnalia gambling, singing, playing music, eating meals with large groups, and giving each other gifts. A common gift was wax taper candles, which are called “cerei” and symbolise the return of light after the solstice. On the final day of Saturnalia celebrations, many Romans gave their friends and loved ones terracotta figurines. People have referred to these as older celebrations involving human sacrifice. The Romans held this festival, generally in the Roman Empire, and celebrated it widely throughout their territories at the end of the calendar year. People loved this festival because it had a carefree atmosphere, generous gift-giving, and lots of entertainment. Thus, they were also less inclined to give up their popular traditions.
The conversion of Emperor Constantine to Christianity marked the beginning of the end of pagan celebrations in the Empire. However, these early religious leaders could not just pan this trendy festival, as there could be backlash. This old pagan custom of gift-giving was brought into Christianity by attaching association with the gifts of the Magi to Jesus, who was a 4th-century saint who was framed for his fondness for giving people gifts. He became widely known as Saint Nicholas, who now goes by the popular “Santa Claus”. The spread of Christianity continued as trade routes were established and new territories were converted to the religion. Which meant more people were introduced to the tradition of gift-giving.
St. Nicholas Day
December 25th is not the only day in which gift-giving occurs. St. Nicholas Day is another day in which gifts are exchanged. This holiday takes place on December 6th. St. Nicholas arrived on horseback on his feast day dressed in a bishop’s red robe and mitre. The Dutch took this tradition to New Amsterdam, now known as New York City, and here he was transformed into Santa Claus. In some traditions, St Nicholas is a day when children are given special cookies, candies, and gifts. Oranges and chocolate coins are common treats. They represent St. Nicholas’s legendary rescue of three improved girls by paying their marriage dowers with gold.
However, Santa Claus, as we know, wasn’t invented until 1931 through nothing else but a Coca-Cola marketing campaign. Prior to this, the jolly old elf appeared in various guises: sometimes blue, yellow, or green, sometimes tall and lanky, even occasionally resembling an elf. Following the advent of the ads, Santa Claus became synonymous with a specific image: a robust, perpetually cheerful figure with a broad belt, black boots, and, of course, the unmistakable red. It’s funny how a simple illustration and great marketing can redefine traditions, right?
Beyond “Free Gifts”
The history of gifts goes far beyond the Roman Empire and Saturnalia; gifts are the foundation of our economic systems. Across various cultures and time periods, gifts play a crucial role in establishing and maintaining social structures, power dynamics, and economic activity.
In Western society, people generally see gifts as something that should be given free, in contrast to obligations and services that should be reciprocated. However, let’s look at the history of Indo-European law systems, classical Hindu laws, Celtic laws, and others. We will notice that the system of exchange and obligation is not foreign to them. The exchange system in many societies creates and maintains social ties, reinforces laws and rights, and keeps the society functioning in a certain way.
Gifts are not simply about the transfer of goods; they are about creating and maintaining relationships. In many societies, the act of giving initiates a social tie, and receiving a gift signifies accepting that tie. Therefore, this exchange system is often a form of authority, kinship, social class, or age.
Is There Such a Thing as a Free Gift?
A key aspect of gift exchange is the obligation to reciprocate. This is not always a direct, immediate return but often a delayed exchange that can take various forms. The obligation to give, receive, and repay are all important elements of the gift economy.
The failure to reciprocate a gift can lead to a loss of honour and social standing. In some cultures, there is a strong rivalry to give the greatest number of objects of the greatest value, with the importance of giving back more than what was received.
Reciprocity is the reason why we feel guilt when offered a food sample and not buying the product.
The obligation to reciprocate creates a cycle of giving and returning that reinforces social bonds and maintains social order. In a gift economy, those who control the circulation of gifts wield power.
So what do you think? Is there such a thing as a free gift? Or is it just another power game establishing strong relationships through the payment of presents?
Social Power of Giving
Gift-giving, while seemingly a simple act of generosity, is a complex social phenomenon with deep-rooted implications. It’s a powerful tool for building relationships, establishing social hierarchies, and exerting influence. Yet, at its core, gift-giving remains a profound expression of human connection.
The question remains: can a truly ‘free’ gift exist? Can we ever truly detach the act of giving from the intricate web of social obligations and expectations?
Ultimately, understanding the dynamics of reciprocity is crucial for navigating social interactions and appreciating the cultural significance of gift-giving in different societies. By recognizing both the social and personal dimensions of gift-giving, we can navigate these complexities with greater awareness and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the true spirit of generosity.
Gift Exchange in Different Cultures
Gift-giving is a fundamental human practice with deep roots across cultures and throughout history. From ancient civilizations to contemporary societies, the exchange of gifts has played a crucial role in shaping social structures, economic systems, as well as religious beliefs.
Diwali, the festival of lights, is full of prayers, fireworks, family gatherings, and giving. During ancient times, people gave the gift of their farm produce for the day. Sweets and decorations were made at home and given as tokens of love and good wishes. A popular is the Diwali gift choice is the Diwali gift box. These boxes are decorated and contain an assortment of sweets, dry fruits, and other treats. When you receive a Diwali gift, it is a reminder that someone cares about you and wishes you well.
- Polynesian societies, such as those in Samoa, demonstrate the concept of “total services,” where clans exchange goods, services, and rituals. The exchange of gifts is not just at marriage but also at births, deaths, trade, and other important life events.
- Melanesian societies, especially those in the Trobriand Islands, have developed systems of exchange like the Kula, which involves the ceremonial exchange of valuable objects.
- Northwest American indigenous peoples engage in potlatch ceremonies, characterized by competitive gift-giving and sometimes the destruction of wealth. The potlatch serves as a means of gaining status, establishing social rank and securing marriages14.
- Indo-European legal systems, such as Roman, Celtic, and Germanic laws, also show a history of gift exchange and its influence on contractual obligations. The concept of res in Roman law, originally referring to a gift or something pleasurable, demonstrates the connection between gifts and legal obligations. In Germanic law, gifts, pledges, and feasts were essential for communication and alliances.
- Even in the Vedic tradition, there’s a belief that gifts create a reciprocal relationship with the gods: do ut des, “I give so that you may give,”. The principle of giving in the Hindu tradition is not merely about an economic transaction but also a moral act that brings rewards in this life and the next.
Gifts in the Modern Day
In America during the 20th century, Christmas became extremely popular. This was fueled by the economic prosperity in the country after World War Two. Because the country had a separation of Church and State, people were able to choose if they wanted to celebrate Christmas with religious aspects or not. This led to people of different faiths partaking in the gift-giving aspect of Christmas.
No matter how you or your family celebrates Christmas, it is always fun to learn how these traditions came to be. Around the world, there are traditions in which gift-giving is important.
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