A wedding is incomplete without gift giving. Giving wedding gifts have become part of matrimonial tradition. Whether given by guests and relatives or by the newly-wed couple, the important thing is there should be gifts during wedding celebrations.It is not clear though how and when the tradition of giving gifts during weddings started. It is safe to assume though that this tradition was first practiced when marriage became a social norm.
How the Ancients Gave Wedding Gifts
The notion that prehistoric men or women bash the heads of their partners with big clubs before dragging them to caves for the wedding union is utterly false. There are no archeological evidences supporting this.
Archeologists speculate that prehistoric unions were quite benign. This is especially true with the advent of agricultural societies.
A prehistoric dowry system was already in place with the bride’s family giving implements and precious stones to the couple. Relatives of the newly weds also provided gifts although this was not a requirement for partaking in the festivities.
Usually, personal wedding gifts during those times consisted of precious farm implements, bows and arrows, spears, or horses. These gifts were intended to help the newly-weds in their married life.
Institutionalization of Wedding Gifts during the Egyptian Empire
The Egyptian Empire was credited for institutionalizing legal marriage. The empire saw marriage as a factor to strengthen society and laws were created for it.
As the act of Union became a social norm and legal, gift giving also became sophisticated.
Among the royalties of the Egyptian Empire, marriage was arranged within the family of the Pharaoh. Wedding gifts therefore consisted of palaces, villas, hordes of slaves, jewelries, and other highly valuable goods.
Among the commoners, a sort of dowry in reverse was practiced. The groom gave money or valuable coins to the bride’s family. This was considered as a ceremonial payment and an indication that the groom can support the bride.
The Roman Legacy
Rome continued the practices of ancient Egypt. The Romans however were very modern and quite lavish too in providing gifts to their newly-weds.
The dowry system at this time has taken a new twist. It became a status symbol for the male Roman to lavish his bride and her family with gifts. An exquisite parade was also held after the ceremony and the families of the newly-weds distribute gifts and food to the people.
Guests also provide gifts as a formal social etiquette. Today’s wedding gifts would be similar to the gifts provided by the Roman citizens.
Wedding Gifts in the Digital Age
Today, most of the wedding traditions practiced by modern societies have the imprint of the Roman ways. Dowries are not practiced anymore but gift giving during weddings has become the rule.
The significant development seen in modern wedding gift is the utilization of high technology and providing convenience for the couple. It is not uncommon now to see guests, parents, and relatives providing wedding gift cards for the couple.
Vacation tickets to exquisite holiday places are also favorite gift items. Giving personalized wedding gifts is also widely practiced today.
Since time immemorial, giving wedding gifts was a regular feature in marriage ceremonies. Through wedding gifts, people show how they value the union of their loved ones.
Soure: http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article/211069/