The Spirit of Giving...

A conversation yesterday set me thinking about this. Why do we bother to give gifts on birthdays, anniversaries, xmas, valentine's day etc..?
My mum always says "Dont buy things, so troublesome.. just eat". And when i give her a gift, the smile on her face makes my day. Deep down somewhere, every individual likes receiving presents. It shows you're on someone's mind/heart and that person takes the effort to make the purchase. Nowadays, to save time or be more practical, we end up giving "gift" vouchers... which is convenient i must say, but the meaning behind giving a present is lost, nonetheless.

I guess guys especially, take words at face value. I believe even if your folks or friends say a dinner treat will do and yet, you bought a small gift for them, they'll be really happy... coz with time, people take it for granted and forget all about the significance or meaning of gift giving, a sad fact of life.
Such a paradox..

Moral obligations of gift-giving leads to reciprocity in gift exchange.
Whatever happened to the relative meaning of "pure" gift giving, characterized by the absence of expectations of return gifts?
Gift giving occasions are opportunities to affirm one's personal bonds. To most people, there is no exchange rate in this respect between time/attentiveness and money. Time and attentiveness affirm personal bonds. Money cannot. No doubt about it...
However, there's this factor: "Affection-value added" - meaning that a certain item might not have a great value in itself, but the intention and affection behind adds a great amount of value. Buying chocolate or flowers for a girl is all about that - usually the girl would herself be able to buy all the chocolate and all the flowers she would want, hence the flowers and chocolate is merely signs of affection and on a more subtle level, recognition.

According to popular psychology, a significant gift is never just a gift, but something that successfully communicates how well you know and understand the person. Jewelers love to capitalize on this thought. If you really knew your wife, they hint, then you'd know she wants a diamond.
Well, just so that the significance of gift giving is not lost, just to recap on the meaning of certain special gifts and why some women swear by them... Ladies, let your guys know! =) Guys, for your knowledge... =P

Roses
Rose has been a symbol for love since ancient days. There is an interesting story about the creation of rose in Greek mythology: Chloris, the Goddess of flowers created rose by giving life to lifeless body of a nymph; Aphrodite, the Goddess of love gave her beauty and Dionysus, the God of wine presented her nectar to give her sweet scent; the three Graces gave her charm, brightness and joy. This is the reason for its popularity among lovers.
Of all roses, red rose is the ultimate symbol of love filled with romance and passion that signifies “I love you” and lilac rose signifies love at first sight. According to some traditions one red rose stands for "an only love", eleven roses stand for "a favorite", ninety nine roses mean " forever love" and hundred roses mean " marry me".

Diamond ring
Ancient Romans considered the ring as love symbol for the unbroken circle symbolizes eternity. In another story, it is said that cupid's arrows are tipped with diamonds. Gradually giving a diamond ring became a promise that they will soon become husband and wife. Presenting a diamond ring gives an eternal sense of love; it is a promise to someone and symbolizes fidelity.

Chocolates
In ancient days, chocolates are considered a gift from God as they are associated with spiritual wisdom and sexual powers. Aztecs believed that chocolates are associated with the Goddess of love and fertility, Xochiquetzal. Chocolate works like energy booster as the chocolate consumption releases a chemical into the body very similar to what is produced when you are in love. That's why chocolates are so popular among lovers.