In a world teeming with material possessions and consumerism, there is still something altruistic, consistently providing profound joy: the act of giving. Making a gift remains an act of generosity that provides happiness and fulfillment to all parties involved.
Gifting is a simple gesture and yet it triggers an intricate mechanism of human emotions, relationships, and well-being. Gifting isn’t a product of contemporary consumerism: the practice of giving gifts for special occasions goes back centuries, not to say millennia. So, what is it about gifting that makes our heart warm, whether we are receiving or giving a present?
In this article we explore the heart and mind of gifting, aiming to unravel the secrets behind the intrinsic joy it brings.
A Brief History of Gift Giving
The history of gift-giving is as old as humanity. Early humans were already exchanging gifts - items such as unusual rocks or animal teeth - as a sign of goodwill and mutual support. As societies evolved, so did the practice of gifting with presents becoming more sophisticated, and the practice more structured within customs and rules.
One of the first known instances of gifting comes from the Native American tribes in the Pacific Northwest. There, gift-giving had a strong connection with clout: during a ceremony called “potlatch” presents were exchanged to reaffirm the social status of the giver. The bigger the gifts the higher the wealth and social status of the giver.
It also held significant importance in ancient societies like Egypt and Greece. In ancient Egypt, gifts were given to pharaohs to gain favor with the gods. The Egyptian era was also the time when gifts began to be used for courting. It is known, for example, that a pharaoh showered Abraham with gifts in order to marry his sister.
In ancient Greece, the practice of exchanging gifts had a meaning similar to today: presents expressed emotions, help build relationships, and exemplified mutual aid and hospitality. Travelers, for example, were to be welcomed with at least a meal and a place to rest.
During the Medieval era, gift exchanges were essential to define political and familial relationships. A miniature painted by the Limbourg brothers (Norimberga, 14th century) and preserved at the Musée Condée (Paris, France) depicts a New Year’s day celebration at the Duke’s castle where Jean, Duke of Berry gazed over a table laden with the royal gifts that his wealthy friends would give to their lord. These included jewels, gold, vessels, and manuscripts.
Medieval marriage also involved gift exchanges: the bride’s parents would give the dowry to the groom, and traditionally the groom would give a Book of Hours, a Christian prayer book, to their new wives.
Gift exchanges have characterized human interactions throughout history with various meanings and customs, some of which are still relatable today.
Sometimes a gift is a sign of affection, sometimes a way to assert one's social status, and at other times, it helps us make a friend or an ally. In any case, yesterday as well as today, giving or receiving a gift is a positive action; whatever the motive, gifts always elicit a sense of joy, gratitude, and satisfaction in both parties involved. Why is that?
What’s the Connection between Gifts and Joy?
There are various reasons why gifting brings up positive sensations and they are all embedded in our human DNA. So, why do we like making and receiving gifts so much?
1) Human Beings are Social Animals
The human species is community-dependent and very social. Not only do we live together, we couldn’t survive without each other. It’s no surprise therefore, that sharing, giving and accepting brings up so many positive sensations: it’s connected to our survival instinct.
A proverb of unknown origin says “if you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”. If you think about it, our generosity, and capacity to look after each other, is part of the reason why our species was able to overcome environmental challenges, grow and thrive through the ages.
2) Endorphins
Often called the happy hormones, endorphins are released by the hypophysis; they alleviate stress and provide a sensation of well-being. When we enjoy the company of a friend, hug a loved one, laugh, and even spend money on someone we care about, endorphins are released, making us feel happier and more relaxed. The act of giving causes a release of endorphins in our body, that’s part of the reason we like it so much.
3) Relationships
As a species, we can’t avoid relationships. Not only do most of us like them, we need them. We need a connection, both physician and emotional. One thing that the pandemic has taught us is that even the most introverted people suffer from disconnection to other humans.
A gift helps form and strengthen bonds, this is another element intrinsic to our being that makes giving and receiving a fulfilling act: it has its roots in our need to connect with others.
The Benefits of Gift-Giving
We’ve already mentioned that giving and receiving gifts makes us happier, but did you know that it also has other psychological and physiological benefits?
1) Happy Hormones
Besides endorphins, other chemicals such as serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin that regulate our mood, give a sense of pleasure and a sense of connection are released.
2) Lower Blood Pressure
Because giving triggers the release of the above-mentioned feel-good hormones, witnessing the joy that the gift causes in the recipient, helps lower blood pressure and therefore lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
3) Less Stress
Gift-giving reduces the levels of cortisol in the bloodstream. Cortisol is also known as a “stress hormone” because it is the one that the brain releases in dangerous situations. With lower levels of cortisol, we are less stressed and anxious
The Benefits of Receiving Gifts
Receiving a gift, whether it is a wrapped package, a shared experience or a connection with loved ones, always creates positive feelings and increases enthusiasm and connection.
1) Acknowledgment
When one receives a gift, they feel acknowledged and valued by the giver. This can boost the recipient's self-esteem and enhance their overall well-being.
2) Promote Support
When a person receives a gift, they feel supported. This can lead to a cascade of positive effects such as increased motivation, better mood, and overall improved mental health.
Conclusion
The web of human emotions and social connections is what makes gifting so special among us. From its origins, the practice of giving and receiving gifts has had different connotations but it has always promoted positive feelings such as joy, peace, and connections to one another.