The Tradition of Giving Presents

The tradition of giving presents has lasted for centuries. In the past presents had symbolic meaning, what does the history of giving gifts look like?






Everyone has an inborn desire to share his knowledge and possession with others. Some people adore to give presents more than others, nevertheless, this is a characteristic of most of people. We behave in a way we were taught at home and we teach the same pattern of behavior with our own children. This pattern applies also to the custom to giving presents. We give presents on various occasions and it usually brings huge joy and satisfaction. During the whole year there are myriads of occasions such as names day, birthday, holidays, anniversaries as well as such celebrations as the end of the school year, birth of children or a new job which require a small gift.

The tradition of giving presents is as old as human devotion and self-interest. There is a belief presents are symbolic. In the past, wedding presents had a symbolic meaning. Peasants used to give to the nobility a jar of honey and wheat round cake baked especially on this occasion which was supposed to give a happy way through life. Parents of newly weds usually gave the most expensive gifts whereas the guests brought various objects for home decoration. The 19th century brought about some changes, this is when the tradition required guests to bring mirrors or valuable paintings. In addition to that, a bride got valuable jewellery however it couldn't be pearls, amethyst nor onyx. In India, an important amulet was a gold bracelet with nine stones which symbolized nine planets of the solar system. Sweets and cookies were supposed to bring auspiciousness, those who couldn't afford such a gift gave golden nuts and fruit they bought during the winter fair. A person who received a red apple on the New Year's Eve could be sure to have a good following year. It if was a woman, she could be sure to have healthy and numerous children.

Nuts and dried fruit hidden in a red sack also have magical meaning because they bring wealthy and successful life. Each gift, even the tiniest one gives joy both to the person who gives and gets it. We should remember though that if we want to make it look esthetically we should pack it in a special way, hand-made packaging can be the best option. An old box or jewelry case can be changed into unique packaging, you only need a bit of fantasy. By adding a pretty element in the outside e.g. embroidered snowflakes, colorful paper star or a bow made of checked paper you can make it even more beautiful. Presents packed in natural objects not only look good but they also can smell pretty, so add dry lemons, walnuts or flowers, use an ear of wheat or boxwood instead of a paper bow. A person who receives a present would be happy to get a short note with several words from you.

The tradition of giving presents on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve dates back to the 18th century. However, in poor polish villages, presents were given mostly to children, usually by Santa Claus who started giving presents in 1746.