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While giving presents to friends, family members, and coworkers are expected as a token of appreciation; these gifts take on an extra significance during the holiday season. Exchanging gifts on New Year’s Day has roots in ancient human societies like France; gifting something is named Lady Liberty. And while the reasons for giving gifts have changed over time, the custom has remained a staple of many different cultures. Even though this practice varies from one country to another, there are some exciting commonalities. It’s not just people but countries also send gifts to close friends and allies to mark historic moments.
The History of Gift Exchange
New Year’s Day is a time for people to reflect on their past year, and to set goals for the new one. It is also a time for families and friends to gather, exchange wishes and gifts, and enjoy festive food and drinks. This tradition dates back to the Roman Empire when people brought gifts to the Temple of the Goddess of Fortune on the Kalends of January (the first day of the month). The Ancient Chinese also exchanged gifts on New Year’s Day. They believed that the New Year began on the second new moon after the winter solstice. This tradition was similar to the Roman one since gifts were given to thank the Goddess of Fortune for the blessings of the preceding year. The modern practice of exchanging gifts between friends and loved ones on New Year’s Day is a curious relic of ancient traditions.
Cuddly Pandas
Cuddly Pandas started as an age-old Chinese legend about a heroic man named Hou Yi who shot down 9 of 10 suns scorching the earth. Afterwards, the grateful people who survived decided to reward him. But Hou Yi politely declined the gift as he had only done what was right and deserved no reward. He also explained that if people had no food to eat, they would appreciate the harvest of seeds more. His words touched the people, and they decided to offer their daughters as brides to Hou Yi instead. Sadly, he again declined the gift reminding the people that he was already married, so he would not take other women as wives. As the legend goes, Hou Yi took two pandas instead and ever since panda bears have been a symbol of a married man who has already found his partner.
Lady Liberty
The History behind Lady Liberty is that, after World War II, the United States wanted to thank France for its role in the war effort by giving something symbolic. The French were very thankful for the generosity, but they weren’t sure what they should give back in return. At the time, the French didn’t have anything suitable to give back to the U.S. One day, a French designer named Jean Jacoby had a eureka moment: They could give the U.S. one of their most prominent architectural landmarks, the Eiffel Tower. It was also decided that the tower would be disassembled and shipped to the U.S. in pieces to avoid any backlash from French citizens. The plan was executed successfully, and the Eiffel Tower was built again in New York City and named Lady Liberty.
Giant Grasshopper-shaped Wine Cooler
Like Lady Liberty, There is also a Chinese legend that says that a grasshopper who lives for seven years inside a gourd will taste great when you pour wine into the gourd. The story goes that a long time ago, a farmer kept seeing a grasshopper jump into a gourd and not come out, so he decided to wait and see what would happen. After seven years, the farmer finally decided to open the gourd, only to discover a beautiful wine cooler inside. The farmer decided to try the wine out and found it very delicious ever since the story of the Giant grasshopper-shaped wine cooler has been passed down from generation to generation.
China: Repaying Good Fortune With More Good Fortune
For thousands of years, China has been engaging in the exchange of meaningful gifts. They believe that gifting brings fortune, so people give each other lavish gifts for special occasions like weddings, births, New Year’s, and the Lunar New Year. Since New Year’s is the most important holiday in Chinese culture, gifts for this occasion are often elaborate, colourful, and beautifully crafted items like jade, silk, and Chinese artwork. The Chinese believe that these items bring good luck, prosperity, and luck because they are made from particular materials.
Conclusion
The New Year is a time for new beginnings and a chance to start fresh after the celebrations of the holiday season have ended, the decorations have been packed away, and the guests have left. New Year’s Day is a time to reflect on the past year and set goals for the future. It is also a time to celebrate the many we have with our friends, families, and communities. And while all of these celebrations may be over in a few weeks, the traditions will live on through the gifts we give each other.
