Have you ever wondered where our Christmas traditions originated? - Gifts

08 December 2009

Planters of Bretby Garden Centre’s Nick Fairbrother does a bit of digging.

Did you know; the history of present giving during December is actually a pre-Christian tradition?

During the ancient Roman celebration of Saturnalia, small candles and clay figures were given as presents whereas at Kalens - the Roman New Year - more elaborate gifts were exchanged.

It was believed that by the giving of gifts, and especially sweet things such as honey, fruit and cakes that a prosperous year would follow. Evergreen branches were also exchanged as symbols of health and new life, whilst wealthy Romans gave each other gold coins.

It was not until the middle ages - several centuries after the birth of Christ – that gift giving became an established part of the Christmas celebration.

Conversely, at this time English Kings actually demanded gifts from their subjects and whilst the poor made do with exchanging trinkets and entertaining each other with songs, parties and plays, the wealthy gave each other elaborate gifts.

Today, there are more gift ideas than ever, and Christmas morning is a time of frantic unwrapping – especially if you are a little boy or girl. But for grown ups too unwrapping Christmas presents is a time for excitement.

As we grow older, our experience of Christmas may change and perhaps the emphasis is more on giving than receiving, so it’s nice to think that here at Planters of Bretby the gifts we sell will be bringing joy to so many people on Christmas morning... I don’t know about you but I still miss sneaking off to raid my selection box.

Look out for other Christmas traditions unearthed by Nick next week.

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