Gift Giving Superstitions

From Giftypedia

First lets define, "What is a superstition?" A superstition is a belief or notion, not based on reason or knowledge, in or of the ominous significance of a particular thing, circumstance, occurrence, proceeding, or the like.

There are many different superstitions about gift giving. And within these superstitions are different versions. Many of the superstitions have been carried down from generation to generation and as time passed the interpretations change, hence the different versions. While not knowing exactly how it started or the reason behind them, some families live by these old wives tales of gift giving. When inquiring about a particular superstition and why, many times the response was, “...because that is what my grandmother said!”

Here you will find different superstitions and old wives tales about gift giving that have been carried down from mother to daughter and father to son over the years and even centuries. These gift giving superstitions cover anything from giving a purse as a gift to gifts for the new homeowner to knives breaking up relationships. There are also superstitions and traditions related to weddings from the time the couple gets engaged to the wedding ceremony.

Do what you will with these tales of good or bad luck, money and broken friendships, revolving around gift giving, after all, they are superstitions.

1. When giving a gift of a wallet or purse you should put money in it so the person will have good luck.
2. By putting money in a wallet or purse that is being given as a gift, you ensure that the wallet or purse will never be empty of money.
3. You should never give someone a pair of shoes as a Christmas gift as this will make the recipient walk away from you.
4. If a lover gives you a knife as a gift this means the love will end soon.
5. If a friend gives you a knife as a gift you should give them a coin, or your friendship would be broken.
6. Giving a pair of scissors or knife as a gift is considered bad luck as it said it would cut the friendship in half.
7. Scissors or knifes should never be given as a wedding gift as this is believed to lead to a broken marriage.
8. When giving cash, you should always give in odd amounts, $5, $11, $51, $101, etc.
9. Gifts for the new home owner would be bread and salt to show that the house will never know hunger and it's pantry will always be filled.
10. Wine for the new home owner would be to signify the years of retirement to come and to savor the sweetness of life.
11. Seeds for the new home owner to symbolize the growing of the family in that home.

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