The tradition of gift-giving is firmly rooted in human history and was not always of Christian origin. Even before the advent of trade, visitors from other tribes presented small gifts to express their kindness. Even today, host gifts represent special meaning.
This tradition was continued by the ancient Romans. More than 2000 years ago, at the so-called Saturnalia festival, the poor were given gifts by the rich. They did this not only out of charity, but also to show their wealth. Roman citizens celebrated for a whole week at this time, making gifts and offerings to Saturn.
This tradition of celebration and gift-giving was one of the many customs that Christianity adopted when the two cultures merged. In addition to the custom of giving gifts at Christmas, other seasonal customs such as the ceremonial lighting of candles and festive carols were also adopted.
Christmas gift giving in Christianity
The reason for giving gifts at Christmas can be directly derived from the original meaning of Christmas. The decisive factor is the birth of Jesus - that is, the assumption that God gave his Son to the world, to mankind. In the Christian tradition, gifts at Christmas symbolize a thanksgiving for God's gift to humanity. Furthermore, the gifts of the three wise men from the Orient are also remembered.
However, Christmas was not originally associated with gift-giving at all. Instead, on December 6, St. Nicholas brought small gifts such as nuts and fruit. The model for this is St. Nicholas, who lived in the 4th century in the city of Myra, in Turkey. According to legend, he had a big heart and was very helpful to his fellow man.
In the 16th century, Martin Luther opposed the Catholic Church's veneration of saints, because according to Reformation doctrine, saints were superfluous as mediators between God and man. However, in order to place Christ at the center, "The Holy Christ" was to bring the gifts on December 24. In time, the "Holy Christ" became the Christ Child, for whom children eagerly await every year. The bourgeois 19th century moved Christmas from the church more into private homes and the family. The giving of presents to children and also the giving of presents to adults became the new core of Christmas.