Do you really know? Why do we give each other gifts at Christmas?
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Dec 20, 2024 Explore the fascinating origins of Christmas gift-giving traditions. Discover how ancient Greco-Roman celebrations influenced modern practices. Learn about the pivotal role children played in shaping these festive customs by the 19th century. Uncover the surprising connections between New Year's gifts and Christmas exchanges, and delve into the rich tapestry of holiday traditions that we often take for granted.
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Christmas Gift-Giving Origins
- Christmas gift-giving isn't solely tied to Christianity.
- It predates Christianity, originating from gift exchanges during Roman winter solstice celebrations.
Roman Gift-Giving Traditions
- Romans exchanged gifts like figs, dates, and honey during the winter solstice.
- These gifts symbolized wishes for a good year and were tied to ensuring successful harvests.
Christmas and Pagan Traditions
- The church introduced Christmas to celebrate the nativity.
- Despite initial disapproval, pagan traditions like gift-giving blended with the new Christmas celebration.