In adulthood it turned out that there are much more reasons to give and receive gifts.
The variety of presents for any event is increasing every year. And the more choice people have, the more they value the originality and uniqueness of the gift, the more they want to surprise and please loved one... The whole world industry is working on inventing and creating surprises, and if it were suddenly forbidden to give gifts, the world economy would suffer huge losses.
History of tradition
Giving gifts since antiquity has a special meaning regardless of country and culture. They presented gifts as in Ancient China and in Ancient Greece, and even in the barbarian tribes on the territory of modern Europe, such traditions existed. They gave gifts on the occasion of the birth of children or marriage, during victories in wars or when holding high government positions.
Where such customs came from is not known for certain. But, most likely, such a sign of respect originated from religious offerings to the gods. Like deities, it was customary for important and close people from ancestors to present everything that was most precious or valuable as a gift. The most famous gift of antiquity is the gifts of the Magi for the birth of the baby Jesus: gold, incense and myrrh. From that moment on, the tradition of giving gifts to loved ones for Christmas began.
Gold was considered the best gift practically for all peoples and centuries, being considered a symbol of prosperity and wealth. However, there were times in the history of medieval Europe when, for example, spices and spices from the East were valued above gold, and it was they who were presented as a gift to tsars.
For a long time in Russia there are very clear and specific requirements for gifts for a particular holiday. So, it was customary for newlyweds to give towels and tablecloths, but only with neatly hemmed edges, without fringes. You cannot give knives for birthdays.
Gift traditions in the East
The harmony and unity of opposites, on which oriental philosophy is based, are reflected in the traditions of gift giving. In Japan or China, it is customary to give paired items - be it photo frames or tea sets. In China, it is important not to give a gift of four items, since the name of this numeral in some dialects coincides in sound with the word “death”. In any offering, symbolism, and not value, has played and still plays the main role. For example, in eastern countries the best color red is considered to be used for wrapping a gift or money envelope. In China, it symbolizes prosperity, and the Japanese believe that red scares away demons and protects the hearth. Interesting fact: in the Celestial Empire it is not customary to give food, this is considered an allusion to the poverty of the owners, and in Japan, on the contrary, it is considered good form to present friends with chocolate or seafood.In eastern countries more attention is given not to the gift itself, but to the process of giving it. It is customary to give and receive gifts with both hands, while leaning slightly as a sign of respect. To give thanks - without unwrapping. The packaging, by the way, even the most modest thing from antiquity had to be neat and impeccable.
The most unusual living gifts
Since ancient times, in many cultures, it has been customary for high-ranking guests or ruling persons to give animals: thoroughbred horses, puppies of hunting dogs, exotic birds. It is known that the Russian Tsar Ivan the Terrible preferred to give gifts to the representatives of the European dynasties of gyrfalcons and falcons trained to hunt. In the era of the same tsar, Russia first saw lions, they were presented to the Russian autocrat by the English queen Elizabeth, the animals were kept in a ditch near the Kremlin wall. The Persian Shah presented Ivan the Terrible with an elephant, which for some time was the main wonder of Moscow. The fate of the animal is sad: its driver died of the plague, in the Russian capital no one else knew how to handle elephants, and the elephant soon died of longing and hunger.Dynasties of Chinese emperors have traditionally given pandas to the rulers of foreign states. This tradition is still alive. On average, one Chinese panda a year becomes a present for one of the leaders of a world power. The most famous "gift" bears were Ling-ling and Hing-hing, presented to US President Nixon in 1972. By the way, in gratitude for the pandas, Nixon gave China two buffaloes.
In the early 90s, Indonesia gave George W. Bush, the President of the United States, one of the largest monitor lizards in the world - the Komodo. These animals are considered a real treasure in their homeland, because one such monitor is able to cope with a buffalo. The President's gift was sent to one of the US zoos, where he acquired numerous offspring that have spread all over the world.
The most ridiculous gifts of our time
The most famous gift recent years presented by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov: the American presented the minister with a red button on a yellow base as a sign of the beginning of a new stage in bilateral relations. However, a funny blunder of the American side was immediately revealed: the words "Reset" were written on the button and as a translation english word Russian "Overload". Lavrov told Clinton about the translation error, which amused the reporters a lot.Another strange gift is also about the United States. In 2009, Barack Obama received a bottle as a gift from the head of the Palestinian Authority olive oil less than $ 100. All the same incumbent US President received a large sum of medical insurance as a gift from the Prime Minister of Australia. The present was presented to Obama during a trip to Northern Australia and was explained by the fears of the country's leadership that the protection of the US President may not cope with their work.
The most expensive gifts
The most expensive gifts both in ancient history and in modern times were given by men to their beloved women. In medieval France, kings donated entire regions of the country to their mistresses. Now - give the islands. Like, for example, "Scorpion Island", which the famous millionaire Aristotle Onassis presented as a pre-wedding gift to his future wife Jacqueline Kennedy. Women in love, however, do not lag behind either. Angelina Jolie paid about $ 20 million for a heart-shaped island, which she gave to Brad Pitt on his 50th birthday.American billionaire Donald Trump gave his future wife a skyscraper in the center of New York. The building was built to Trump's own design, and today it is valued at more than $ 300 million.
Elizabeth Taylor received one of these as a gift from her lover and twice husband Richard Burton. He presented a 70-carat diamond worth 1 million dollars with a unique cut to the actress in 1969, the jewelry was named "Barton-Taylor" and went down in history.
Undoubtedly, any woman will appreciate expensive jewelry and grand gestures. But the most precious thing for her is the attention of her beloved man. A gift can say a lot about our attitude towards a person, about how much we know him and his tastes, how much we follow his desires.
Giving and receiving presents is a favorite New Year's entertainment, but when this wonderful tradition began, and who was the first to think of giving gifts for the New Year New Year, it is a feeling of magic, festive mood, joy, family warmth and, of course, gifts. Who was the first to think of giving gifts to new year holidays and where did the custom of putting souvenirs under the Christmas tree come from, Styler writes.
New Year's gifts: a tradition with a long history
There is no single version of the emergence of the beloved tradition of presenting gifts on the New Year. However, historical evidence suggests that this custom was widespread in many ancient civilizations. Gifts were exchanged in Egypt in the days winter solstice... Also in this winter period revered the god Tammuz in Babylon, performing the rite of laying gifts under tall trees.
Gifts were also given in ancient Rome. The Romans had a holiday of Saturnalia, which has many similarities with the modern New Year. It was celebrated to mark the end of the harvest in December during the winter solstice. The festivities lasted almost two weeks, no one worked or studied, executions and all important state affairs were canceled.
In honor of universal equality, which was in the Golden Age of Saturn, slaves were allowed to sit at the same table with the rich. According to legend, the gentlemen even exchanged clothes with the poor and served them. In ancient Rome, already in those years, the tradition of exchanging gifts was widespread. The rich gave each other jewelry and presented gifts to the poor. Poor Romans made gifts with their own hands, gave fruits, branches of their favorite flowers and trees. The most generous gifts were presented to scientists, who were very revered in Rome.
During the time of Julius Caesar with the introduction of a new calendar, the main gift winter holiday became a coin with the image of two-faced Janus. By the way, the first New Year's month was also named after this deity.
Who came up with the idea of giving gifts for the New Year: the Christian version
With the advent of Christianity, the tradition of exchanging presents was associated with the Christmas holidays. Indeed, according to the biblical legend, on the night of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Magi brought their gifts to his house. The Son of God was presented with gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Many experts believe that the custom of giving gifts on the modern New Year has the same roots as the Christmas tradition. Where do they hide New Year's gifts?
On the eve of the New Year, kids from all over the world write letters to Santa Claus and Santa Claus, asking them to fulfill their cherished desires... Children are looking forward to the holidays and believe that Santa Claus will make their dreams come true and will leave a long-awaited gift for them on New Year's or Christmas Eve.
True, in different countries He chooses different places for gifts. In Ireland, children find New Year's gifts in socks, in Mexico - in boots, in France they hide gifts in the chimney, and in Spain they leave them on the windowsill.
In Slavic countries, it is customary to put New Year's gifts under a decorated Christmas tree. This tree from time immemorial sivomolized life and the unfading power of nature. They went to visit with spruce branches, they were used to decorate rooms and halls where feasts were held. Later, small trees were installed in the houses and decorated.
The modern tradition of hanging gifts and sweet treats on the Christmas tree was born in England in 1841, when Queen Victoria and her husband installed a green Christmas beauty in the palace, decorated with sweets and souvenirs for children. Since many gifts could not hold on to the branches of the tree, they were wrapped in bright wrappers and placed under the spruce.
In Denmark, unpacking gifts is a real ritual. They are wrapped in several layers of packaging, each with a different name written on it. Therefore, it is impossible to know in advance who the present is intended for.
A New Year's gift can be both expensive and symbolic. The main thing is attention warmth and the sincerity of the one who presents it.
According to modern explanatory dictionaries, the word "gift" has several meanings:
- An object or thing that is on their own donated to someone for pleasure and benefit.
- Something good, nice. Usually as a sign of respect, gratitude. For example, a service rendered, the arrival of a dear friend or loved one.
V modern world gifts accompany a person from birth to the end of life. For many peoples, the exchange of gifts has become a pleasant tradition that accompanies the reception of guests. And what came before us? When did the tradition of giving gifts appear? And who stood at its origins? These and many other questions from the history of gifts are not only interesting, but also important and entertaining.
Gifts to the Gods as a Sign of Great Awe
It should be assumed that the tradition of making gifts, which we know now, originated in the primitive communal system. Tribes of ancient people on different continents worshiped pagan gods, and later - idols and priests. Ritual offerings of flowers, fruits, animals, and in some tribes and people, were often accompanied by chants and dances. All this was supposed to appease and appease the gods in whom people believed. Those gods who could dry up the earth or send a flood, frighten with a hurricane or lightning and thunder, turn away luck on hunting or fishing, give or take life. Later, different tribes began to exchange gifts among themselves. The rock carvings found by archaeologists convey the details of the pagan traditions of the ancient people.
Gift History Facts: Astonishment, Deception, Worship, Calculation, Cunning
Along with the development of mankind, the tradition of giving gifts has also evolved. What do we reliably know today about gifts and offerings from different times and peoples of the world?
Slave-owning system: about times, about mores!
No matter how blasphemous it may sound, during the period of slavery, not only gold, silver, weapons, horses, fabrics, wine, land plots and estates, but even people were presented as gifts. Slaves were bought, sold and presented as ordinary goods, and the most beautiful young girls and boys were highly valued, as well as strong men.
Unequal exchange of gifts between natives and seafarers
During sea expeditions in order to discover new lands, sailors met tribes of natives. Of course, the Aborigines were not always in favor of strangers. It must be said that the "white" people did not always have pure intentions, since they often equipped expeditions with the aim of robbery, and not scientific research. In exchange for cheap trinkets - hair combs, mirrors, beads, medallions, rings, fabric cuts, etc., which greatly attracted the natives, seafarers exchanged gold.
The sacred gifts of the Magi for the birth of Jesus
The greatest Christian shrines have immeasurable spiritual and historical value. An amazing parable in the Gospel tells about the rich gifts of the Magi brought to the newborn baby Jesus: gold as a king, frankincense (aromatic resin of a special tree) as God and myrrh (fragrant oils) as a mortal person. These were twenty-eight small gold plates, each with a unique filigree ornament, and about seventy balls, the size of olive, incense and myrrh. The gifts of the Magi have survived to today, are located in Greece, on the Holy Mount Athos in the monastery of St. Paul.
In our blog, we write a lot about different gifts... What to give a boss, colleague, friend, loved one? There are many options, and among them you need to choose the most worthy one. However, we hardly think about who invented the very tradition of congratulating and donating something for the holidays? How long has this ritual been in existence?
We will find the answers to these questions again in the period of Antiquity. In ancient Rome, one of its founders, Romulus, received the first gift; as a New Year's gift he was presented with branches of a fruit tree, symbolizing wealth and prosperity. Since then, any holiday has been accompanied by a similar custom, which over time acquired more "expensive" forms. The Romans gave each other gold jewelry, coins, fruits, images of the gods. One of the most expensive gifts, known at the time, was freedom. So, Julius Caesar granted freedom to one of his slaves just because he wished him a long life and a successful year. You can imagine how other slaves practiced their eloquence all the next year, in order to shine a congratulatory speech in front of the owner by the end of the year.
The ceremony of receiving gifts by emperors, at times, turned into a demonstration of their welfare, or, conversely, its absence. Emperor Caligula, for example, came out to the square on the eve of the new year and began to accept gifts. And at the same time he wrote down the name of the giver and what he presented to him. If the gifts did not come to court, they were returned to the owners. Those whose gift was "to the taste" of the emperor received royal favor.
Much later they began to compose Greeting Cards... Who knows, maybe they were invented as the equivalent of a "real" gift, only cheaper. Now the production of postcards is very popular, and the tradition itself has long stepped over the official "holiday" occasions. Today we can easily send a postcard with words of support, regret, joy. We give them to those who need our attention and care.
Each country has different ways giving gifts. We all know that in the United States of America, before Christmas, knitted socks are hung around the house, in which, according to the legend, Santa Claus puts gifts. At the same time, he himself goes down the chimney directly into the fireplace, from where he begins his journey around the house.
In the same America, it is not considered shameful to put a check along with a present, which will allow you to return it back to the store if the birthday person does not like it.
In Russia, it is customary to hide New Year or Christmas surprises under the tree. And Santa Claus (usually they are dad, grandfather, a guest actor), who appeared out of nowhere in the midst of the fun, “makes” read his favorite rhyme for him, and only then give him the long-awaited doll or car.
In Spain, children receive a huge number of gifts for any holidays. Moreover, regardless of the reason. It can be either the birthday or name day of the child himself, or the rest of the family. Each guest, having come to the celebration, is simply obliged to bring something to the little owner of the house. And the kid chooses this "something" himself - before the holiday he makes a list of gifts that he wants to receive.
There is a ban on certain gifts in Arab countries: you cannot give alcohol, souvenirs, paintings, clothes, etc. with the image of dogs; personal gifts such as underwear, scarves, shoes are not welcome; having visited the house of your friend or acquaintance, you can bring gifts and delicacies to his children, but not to his wife.
In Japan, you cannot give knives (they symbolize the hara-kiri ritual), all gifts are presented exclusively in wrapping paper bright colors excluding black and white. Gifts are given right hand from the donor to the recipient, this means the sincerity of the act and the absence of malicious intent.
Giving loved ones gifts for the New Year seems to us an absolutely natural activity. Moreover, we get great pleasure when we see joy on dear faces, and we ourselves have a weakness for pleasant surprises... It is interesting to know, thanks to whom this wonderful and kind tradition arose and took root?
The history of the holiday and the tradition of giving New Year gifts id = "5f5e17d5">
id = "5f5e17d5">The history of celebrating the New Year goes back to ancient times, when people worshiped pagan gods and brought them generous and sometimes frightening gifts. Moreover, the date of the celebration fell on another season of the year.
For example, in India and Mesopotamia, it was customary to celebrate the New Year on March 21, the day vernal equinox, and, of course, for a reason. This was the time when field work began, and people sought to earn the favor of higher powers in order to grow a rich harvest.
The inhabitants of ancient Greece believed that the New Year comes on a day summer solstice- June 22, and celebrated it, arranging a real masquerade. Dressed in the costumes of satyrs, the Greeks had fun, participating in the general procession, and sang the praises of the god Dionysus, the patron saint of winemakers.
And the Egyptians tied the coming of the New Year to the appearance of the star Sirius in the firmament. The clergy performed special ceremonies in September, expressing reverence for the deity in order to invoke his mercy and receive protection.
The powerful Roman emperor Julius Caesar carried out a reform in chronology. By his decree, the year became equal to the usual number of days, and weeks-weeks appeared. The tradition has taken root in the most civilized states and has survived to this day.
In addition to the rich gifts brought to the pagan deities, people exchanged gifts with each other, and, as a rule, the choice of the present depended on the status of a person in society, his belonging to a particular caste.
New year in Russia id = "29889845">
id = "29889845">Pagan Russia professed the religion of sun worship and celebrated the New Year on March 21. With the advent of Christianity, the date was first moved to the first day of spring, and then to the very beginning of autumn, so that it began to coincide with the harvest time. They had fun on a grand scale, rejoicing at the full bins and anticipating a well-fed winter. Feasts, fairs and festivities associated with the rich fruits of labor have made the New Year one of the favorite holidays, symbolizing a well-deserved rest after months of hard work.
Much later, when the reformer Emperor Peter the Great came to the Russian throne, the celebration of the New Year was again postponed, and this time - to January 1. In his decree, the ruler not only determined new date, but also prescribed special conditions necessary for the correct organization of the winter celebration. Now the nobility should decorate the Christmas tree with shiny toys, stock up on firecrackers and take part in masquerade balls. The chronology from the Nativity of Christ has also become relevant.
Attention: the first Christmas gifts are described in the Bible and are known as the gifts of the Magi - gold, frankincense and myrrh, brought in honor of the birth of Jesus Christ. In the West, Christmas comes before New Year and is considered the main winter holiday.
In our country, the New Year began to be celebrated as a holiday in 1935, with elegant Christmas trees, sweets and other gifts for the children of the Bolsheviks. The Soviet people are so imbued with the spirit winter's tale that the New Year has become one of the most beloved holidays in the country.
The inhabitants of which country came up with the idea of giving gifts for the New Year? id = "d0af730b">
id = "d0af730b">It is believed that the founder of the tradition of giving gifts for the New Year was Julius Caesar and, accordingly, the Romans. And the very first gifts were branches of a noble laurel and coins with the image of the two-faced god Janus. Initially, in Rome, the New Year came in October, then in March, and finally in January. We can consider Italy to be the very state in which the holiday traditions so beloved by us were born. By the way, today in Italy the lion's share of gifts falls on Christmas, and for New Year's gifts are rather symbolic.
The tradition of leaving gifts under the tree id = "ad4d2132">
id = "ad4d2132">The population of ancient Babylon gladly celebrated the winter solstice as the name day of the patron god of vegetation Tammuz. People believed that the god Izdubar also brought his gifts to Tammuz, hiding them under a beautiful evergreen tree. You can begin to draw a parallel with modern customs from those time immemorial. It is quite obvious that all the holidays that exist in the world today originate in the service of pagan religious cults, as well as the traditions of their holding.
It is interesting: our ancestors believed that they live not only in visible world but also in the world of spirits. And today, many adhere to this opinion, perhaps not without reason. In ancient times, it was believed that powerful spirits, both evil and good, find their dwelling in the crowns and under the branches of trees. To appease them, people left gifts in the spreading branches. Do you find similarities?
As already mentioned, the custom of laying out New Year's gifts under the Christmas tree came to us from the West and came to the liking of the Russian people. Children especially rejoice at the opportunity to look for wonderful gifts under the fragrant spruce paws. Magical childhood memories associated with the festive bustle of the home and the cheerful atmosphere on the streets of cities remain with us for life.
The tradition of leaving gifts in a boot id = "84079457">
id = "84079457">In European countries, there has long been a custom to put a boot or shoe polished to a shine under the tree or to put it outside the threshold or save it under the tree in order to find the desired gifts in it on the first day of the New Year. Also, European residents hang a bright sock with sweets and souvenirs on the fireplace or near the crib.
The tradition has its origins in the story of how Saint Nicholas, taking pity on the poor sisters, threw a handful of coins or several gold bars into the chimney of their home. The money ended up right in the stockings hanging on the fireplace. In memory of this miracle, Europeans began to fill stockings and shoes with New Year's gifts with pleasure.
Today, special, elegant boots and socks are in festive use, and, as a rule, caring and loving parents of babies fill them with sweets, but who knows, maybe they are not the only ones? We tend to believe that there is still a place for a miracle in our life!
By the way, Saint Nicholas played a significant role in the formation of the traditions of the winter holiday, and we will tell you about this separately!
When did you start to believe that Santa Claus or Santa Claus brings gifts? id = "309c3aee">
id = "309c3aee">In the third century, a wonderful man named Nikolai was born on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. He became famous for his righteous life and the desire to do good in relation to the people around him. Nicholas grew up in a wealthy family and chose the path of a minister of the Christian faith, eventually becoming a bishop. Having received a huge inheritance from his parents, he did not skimp on helping the poor, extending special care to children. After his death, the bishop was canonized, and today we know him as Nicholas the Wonderworker, the patron saint of travelers and children. This saint, beloved by Orthodox Christians, is famous for answering the sincere prayers of believers, fulfilling their innermost desires. Isn't that a miracle?
In accordance with the Christian concept of virtue, St. Nikolai always strove to do good deeds, while remaining unrecognized, and remained true to himself even after death. On a festive night, the Miracle Worker descends from heaven, accompanied by angels, and leaves gifts not only to obedient, but even to mischievous kids. So he became the prototype of Santa Claus and Santa Claus.
Actually, Santa Claus and Saint Nicholas are consonant and almost identical names, so we can conclude that people began to believe in a kind wizard who brings gifts on New Year's Eve just after the death of Bishop Nicholas.
By the way, you can watch with the kids a wonderful film about the orphan boy Nicholas from Lapland, who became St. Nicholas (Santa Claus).
The tradition of writing a letter to Santa or Santa Claus id = "da737d7a">
id = "da737d7a">The wonderful custom of writing and sending messages to the Fabulous Grandfather with requests for gifts originated in the West, and only then came to our country. Europeans and residents of the United States of America have been bombarding Santa with letters for over a century.
The fact is that in the second half of the nineteenth century, it was officially accepted that Santa Claus settled in a dwelling at the North Pole. Since then, children brought up in the Catholic faith began to write letters to their kind grandfather, in which they shared their joys and experiences, and also asked to send gifts for the New Year and make their dreams come true. They signed the envelopes like this: North Pole, Santa Claus.
Despite the fact that the kids acted in secret from their parents, the adults, of course, learned about the wonderful correspondence and immediately, with their characteristic entrepreneurial spirit, made a very profitable business on this.
Today, the European society cultivating consumption notes changes in the epistolary art of the younger generation. Less and less often, children turn to Santa Claus as a kind wizard and a fabulous friend with whom they want to communicate on various topics. The letters are getting shorter and often only contain lists of gifts.
In the days of the Soviet Union, Russian children already knew very well who Grandfather Frost was, and they were very fond of this kind wizard who draws patterns on glass and who comes to visit on New Year's Eve, with a bag of toys and sweets, accompanied by a cute Snow Maiden. To receive a gift from the coveted bag, it was enough just to read a poem or sing a song, which the kids did with great pleasure. It is clear that the parents bought gifts, and the role of grandfather was usually played by someone's fathers, but the magic did not disappear because of this!
In 1995, the first estate of Father Frost in our country was officially opened on the territory of the Lapland Nature Reserve (Kola Peninsula), and Russian children also got the opportunity to send letters to a fairy tale. Over time, the wizard changed his place of residence, moving from the Chunozero estate to Veliky Ustyug, and New Year's messages flew to the new address.
Today, in order to send a letter with wishes, it is not even necessary to indicate the address and stick a postage stamp, it is enough just to sign the envelope to "Grandfather Frost", but we will now tell you how to draw it up correctly!
The wonderful grandfather does not like to answer letters that look like an order form, and even takes offense when they turn to him only to receive gifts. You need to take a blank sheet of paper and start the message, of course, with new year greetings... Maybe you can write a little poem? Do this with your child, and then draw a festive drawing. If your son or daughter already knows how to print letters on their own, let them write a few sentences about what they have achieved in last year... Help the little ones with a hint:
- learned to read, write, count;
- learned poems and songs;
- help mom and dad;
- found new friends and so on.
This lesson is very useful for the child, because in the process he learns to analyze his actions, gains self-confidence and learns to set new goals for himself, which grandfather can also write about in a letter, along with promises to be good next year.
Now we can talk about gifts too! And if the child wants to ask his grandfather for gifts for loving mothers and dads, congratulate yourself, because you have something to be proud of!
The official address of the winter wizard's residence especially for those who love accuracy in everything: Russia, Vologda Region, the City of Veliky Ustyug, the house of Father Frost. Index 162340. And if you go to this address, you can meet with grandfather and hand the letter to him personally.
