Getting gifts from loved ones is a magical part of Christmas, especially for kids. As children, many of us eagerly anticipated Christmas mornings. A time when we would go downstairs to find a mountain of Christmas gifts beneath the tree. Each one carefully wrapped in its own festive bow and our stockings filled with delicious treats.
What started this tradition, and how has it evolved over the years that we observe every year? We shall examine the origins of this cherished Christmas tradition in this blog.
The early days of gift-giving
The custom of giving presents is as ancient as mankind itself. It probably aided in establishing and maintaining positive connections and trust amongst various social groupings in primitive times.
The winter solstice, which occurred around December 21 or 22, was a turning point in Neolithic history. As the old year came to a close and the new one began, people would assemble at iconic sites like Stonehenge to feast and exchange gifts. Durrington Walls, close to Stonehenge, was the site of the discovery of around 38,000 animal bones, mostly those of pigs and cattle. This provides another evidence that the midwinter feast was well-catered. Numerous bones that still had flesh on them were thrown away, suggesting a substantial feast.
Giving gifts for the New Year was also a custom in pre-Roman times. In order to bring good fortune for the next year, Druids distributed sprigs of mistletoe, a holy plant. Strenia, the goddess of health and well-being, inspired the Roman custom of administering strenae. Originally, presents consisted of branches from holy trees; they eventually changed to gilded nuts or coins with the image of Janus, the deity with two faces, after whom January is named.
Early midwinter and winter solstice agricultural customs served as the model for Saturnalia, the most celebrated celebration in ancient Rome. The event, which lasted from December 17 to the 23rd, included feasting, gatherings, gift-giving, and breaking social rules.
During Saturnalia, slaves served their owners, work stopped, and gambling was permitted. Individuals traded miniature sculptures made of clay or wax, known as sigillaria or joke presents. Martial, a Roman poet, described modest, basic presents that complemented the holiday’s playful vibe, such as toothpicks, combs, candles, dice cups, and writing tablets.
Selecting the ideal present was crucial and often revealed one’s social standing. While costly presents could appear excessive, small, considerate ones demonstrated appreciation. Although women and children also took part, males exchanged gifts the most.
Gift-giving for the New Year continued as Christianity grew, but its emphasis changed. It shifted away from the excesses of Saturnalia and towards the biblical account of the Magi bringing gifts to the infant Jesus on January 6, Epiphany.
Medieval gift traditions
English rulers employed the custom of presenting New Year’s gifts to their people as a kind of tax collection from the 13th century, when Henry III ruled, until the middle of the 17th century.
Giving gifts became competitive during the Tudor period. Henry VIII’s court members lavished him with gifts in 1534, including-
a pet marmoset,
a silver-gilt compass,
a gold tablet with an ancient face, and
a “goodly” clock.
In addition, common people traded presents like cloves, oranges, and gloves. This may have represented the money and spices that the wise men gave to Jesus.
The largest festival of the year in Scotland is still Hogmanay or New Year. However, St. Nicholas’ Day – December 6 – the first day of Advent – was a common day for gift-giving throughout northern and eastern Europe.
While most adults received Christmas gifts, children were the main focus of St. Nicholas’ Day. A rich bishop from Myra (now in Turkey), St. Nicholas was well-known for covertly aiding the underprivileged. According to one version, he gave his daughters dowries by dropping bundles of money down a poor man’s chimney. The present custom of hanging Christmas stockings was inspired by the gold that fell into stockings that were left by the fire to dry.
Giving gifts today
These days, Christmas is as much about exchanging presents on December 25 as it is about a roast meal or a sparkling tree. To discover the ideal gifts for their loved ones, millions of individuals visit shops or buy online each year.
Although the meaning of Christmas gifts varies from person to person, one of the best parts of the season is still getting to share in the joy of gift-giving. A practice that has endured and even grown in popularity since the beginning of time, giving brings people together.
