In today’s world, gift-giving is a natural occurrence for just about any event. Have you ever wondered, though, just who came up with the idea? It is a global tradition that dates back many centuries that people have used to express emotions, congratulate accomplishments, and to show thanks. To truly appreciate this multi-cultural act, here is everything you need to know about gift-giving.

The Origin Of Gift-Giving

The act of giving and receiving is a fundamental activity that precedes the oldest civilizations of Mesopotamia, Harappan of Indus Valley, Ancient Egypt, Maya, and China. You might be surprised to learn that, during the Nomadic empires, rulers used it as a symbolic gesture of political diplomacy for tribal chiefs and comrades. It allowed rulers to garner support and power because of their generosity toward others. The rulers then bound the receivers to gift-giving practices which allowed the tribal leaders to give tokens of appreciation to his tribesman.

The act at the local level further promoted the prestige of the ruler’s initial favor on the tribal leader, but distinct differences existed between those given by rulers and local tribesman because of the difference in social classes. Rulers traded outside of their empires, so they came across antiquities or prime horse flesh. For tribal leaders, giving something that connected to nature like a beautiful stone or an animal skin would have been ideal as they provided a purpose or comfort.

During the era of the Egyptians, pharaohs received gifts that represented wealth because of the idea that pyramids were built to house them for use in the afterlife. Romans gave gifts as symbols of luck, loyalty, and service which influenced the act of giving as a commonality in social circles. By the Middle Ages, presents were much more widespread than politically. Legally, families began to use them as dowries to attract potential husbands. Culturally, gifts became part of celebrations like weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries.

The Emotional Benefit Of Giving To Others

There are many reasons in modern society to give gifts. People donate to charities each year in the amount of $400 billion. The act of giving to others because of social benefit allows people to feel good about a selfless act that helps others in need.  For some, it is also a form of communication that enables people to connect with one another. It is also a good deed that makes people happy when shopping for loved ones.

Because shopping connects to the desire to please others, it also affects your brain activity as it releases a bevy of chemicals that affect behavior patterns. Dopamine acts as a neurotransmitter that affects positive emotional response. Shopping makes you smile when thinking about how others will appreciate your gift which causes the brain to produce endorphins. The brain also releases serotonin when happy which makes a person feel valuable to others.

If you are looking for ways to show your love and appreciation, Say It With A Gift offers unique and fully-personalized ways to make you and others feel good about giving and receiving.