subject: Learning The Cultural Practices Of Gift Giving [print this page] A present is an item that is granted to someone else without the expectation of it being repaid or of getting a gift in return. Though it is meant to be free, on occasion this process has an underlying expectation of reciprocity.
Giving gifts is not only a way to show others that you love, care for, or appreciate them. It has been used for thousands of years in rituals and traditions.
A present can be anything from a keepsake, to money, to something useful. There are a number of different manners that individuals grant items to others.
One culturally accepted practice of bestowing an offering on another is through the birth of a child. When a woman and man welcome a newborn into their family, it is acceptable and courteous to bequeath some kind of token upon them that will help with caring for their baby.
In fact, during the woman's pregnancy before the boy or girl is even born, it is customary for other women to throw her a baby shower. It is called a "shower" because the guests that attend are expected to shower the expectant mother with presents.
These offerings range from diapers and baby wipes to clothing, pacifiers, monitoring machines, cribs, bedding, and stuffed animals. These types of parties are usually hosted by the woman's mother, grandmother, sister(s), and or friends.
Another time when gift giving is customary is at a wedding. Couples that get married usually are lacking in the necessary items that are essential to cooking and being comfortable in their new home.
Wedding practices usually dictate that the bride's family offers the money needed to put on a wedding reception, whereas, the groom's parents and/or family make a monetary donation to throw a rehearsal dinner or luncheon and, possibly, a honeymoon. Guests that are invited to the wedding are usually expected to provide a contribution or item for the couple.
Brides are also given "showers" beforehand in which they receive presents that will help them and their new husband to start a life together. These can be money, decorations, furnishings, textiles, kitchen supplies, etc.
After couples become engaged, they usually register with some kind of store or place of business that sells home furnishings. That way, it is easy for guests and friends that want to grant them with a token to know exactly what they need or want.
Others that wish to give them a cash gift, instead of an object or item, can do so. There is no expected amount when it comes to wedding presents; however, it is usually more acceptable to give as luxurious of a bonus as possible.
Marriage ceremonies and traditions are different all around the world. In tribes like those found in African countries and the Amazon in South America, dowries are expected when a woman is taken to wife.
These offerings can be food, livestock, material possessions, or weapons. Parents of young girls start a dowry, sometimes right after she is born.
When she is betrothed or ready to be married, they grant the groom's parents and family with the objects that they have set aside for her, in order to take care of her and to thank them for accepting her into their family. Tribes have gotten into disputes over marriage ceremonies and dowries.
This occurs when the woman's new family misunderstands the agreement and what they are owed. Greediness can sometimes turn gift giving into an issue.
Another cultural event when presents are expected is during the holiday season. In the Bible, the baby Jesus was given tokens by the wise men that followed to star to see him.
Because of this, Christians that practice Christmas award one another with items that they desire. Shopping malls and stores are full of patrons trying to find the items on their lists during the month of December.
Some do not believe that this is in accordance with the Christmas season and that families should not expect to receive things from each other. There are many who feel that the holiday should be spent enjoying time together and granting others that are less fortunate with items that will help them live in comfort.
This habit of opening the hand and offering favors to others is the basis of many traditions throughout history. There are definitely proper ways to do so, and should be studied and respected with each culture or group.
