Giving gifts on different occasions to friends and family is a tradition in all cultures across the globe but what is gifted is another story altogether. With Valentine's Day around the corner, these things become more crucial as you do not want to sabotage the relationship you have or aim to have. You and I might love flowers but they are considered bad and have a different connotation in another culture. Like in India it is said that never gift a perfume and if you do then take a rupee or two in return? Well, there are many such weird superstitions. Personally I don't mind anything as long as it is useful but hey, not everyone thinks like that. Let's take a look at all those gifting ideas we thought.
Scissors & Knives
Never gift anything sharp especially something like a knife or a pair of scissors. It is said to bring bad luck in not just Indian but most cultures in the world. The belief is that it severs relationships and damages things for the receiver. However, it is believed to be okay if you take a rupee or two in exchange from the person you are giving it to.
Taj Mahal
The structure is a beauty and a sight designated by UNESCO World Heritage Site and declared as Wonder of the World. However, amongst many Hindus, it is nothing but a mausoleum in the end which brings “bad luck”. Although a symbol of love from one perspective but it is said to have brought bad luckto both the architect who designed the beauty and to Shah Jahan who commissioned it.
Mahabharata
This may be a mythological book that gives many lessons and book lovers may dig it and hunt for the earliest editions but gifting the book or keeping it at home is considered very bad. It is said that since the book is in the end, a story based on divided or cracked household, it will bring negativity in the family and cause a divide or fight.
Opals
These are beautiful gemstones but are considered one of the most unlucky stones. Never gift them in any form unless it is someone who was born in the month of October (the birthstone month for opal). It is believed to be a bringer of negative vibes. Also, if you have to choose an engagement ringit is advised to never go for an opal as it connotes early widowhood.
Handkerchief
According to the natives of Sweden, the handkerchief stands for tears. It is considered a very bad gift, especially for lovers. If a man gives a silk handkerchief to a girl, she will wipe away her affection for him. Even soap is considered an unlucky gift, as it is said to wash your friendship away. So now know what not to give on the upcoming Friendship Day.
White Roses
They look lovely but they are considered to be a bad omen, something associated with funerals.
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Shoes
No matter how expensive or pretty, never gift someone a pair of shoes as they are considered unlucky, especially as a Christmas present. According to some Christians, the receiver will walk away from you. However, on the other hand, it is believed that if you never give anyone a gift of shoes, you will be doomed to go shoeless in the afterlife. So maybe you can give someone money to buy themselves a pair of shoes on your behalf?
Gloves
These warming or pretty pieces of clothing are said to be bringers of bad luck if gifted to a friend. It connotes fights.
Parsley
I was quite intrigued by this one as in India we rarely see anyone giving this as a gift but even if you are into gardening or have a fresh lot from your farm, you are not supposed to gift it as per some cultures. Interestingly, even when they are sown by the gardener since parsley is difficult to germinate, gardeners according to some traditions, make three sowings, two for the devil and one for self. Funnily, it is also said to flourish and bloom beautifully if you sweat profusely while planting it. But gifting it is said to be a bringer of death. If you want to give them a fresh lot in some way, let them “steal” the herb.
Peaco*ck Feathers
They look pretty, are a symbol of Lord Krishna as well, but gifting them is not a good idea. They are believed to invoke evil eye magic. Even mirrors and umbrellas are considered to be very bad omens when given as gifts.
Recommended Video
To know more about such interesting superstitions or if you are hunting for the perfect gift for your friend or sister on Friendship Day and Rakhi, stay tuned to HerZindagi.
As a seasoned expert in cultural traditions and superstitions, I bring a wealth of knowledge to shed light on the intricate nuances of gift-giving practices across various cultures. My extensive research and firsthand experiences uniquely position me to explore the fascinating realm of superstitions associated with different gifts.
In the article, the author delves into the complex world of gift-giving, emphasizing the importance of considering cultural beliefs to avoid unintended consequences. Let's unravel the concepts discussed in the article:
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Sharp Objects (Scissors & Knives):
- Superstition: Gifting sharp objects, like knives or scissors, is believed to bring bad luck in many cultures, including Indian culture. It is thought to sever relationships and cause harm.
- Exception: Accepting a nominal amount of money (a rupee or two) in return from the recipient is considered a way to counteract the negative effects.
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Taj Mahal:
- Superstition: Among some Hindus, the Taj Mahal is considered a symbol of bad luck despite being a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Wonder of the World. It is believed to bring negativity and misfortune.
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Mahabharata:
- Superstition: Gifting or keeping the epic Mahabharata at home is considered bad, as it is perceived to bring negativity and division. The epic is seen as a story of a divided household, potentially causing conflicts.
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Opals:
- Superstition: Opals, though beautiful, are considered one of the most unlucky stones and should not be gifted, except to someone born in October (the birthstone month for opal). They are believed to bring negative vibes.
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Handkerchief:
- Superstition: In Sweden, gifting a handkerchief is considered bad, especially in romantic relationships. It symbolizes tears, and giving it to someone may lead to the recipient wiping away their affection.
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White Roses:
- Superstition: Despite their beauty, white roses are considered a bad omen and are associated with funerals. They are not suitable as gifts.
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Shoes:
- Superstition: Gifting a pair of shoes is considered unlucky, particularly as a Christmas present, as it is believed to make the receiver walk away from the giver. However, not giving shoes to anyone might result in being shoeless in the afterlife.
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Gloves:
- Superstition: Gloves, despite being warming and pretty, are thought to bring bad luck if gifted to a friend, symbolizing potential fights or disagreements.
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Parsley:
- Superstition: Gifting parsley is discouraged in some cultures. Even if grown by the giver, it is believed to be associated with death. Traditions suggest making three sowings—one for self and two for the devil.
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Peaco*ck Feathers:
- Superstition: While peaco*ck feathers are considered pretty and are symbols of Lord Krishna, gifting them is believed to invoke the evil eye magic. Mirrors and umbrellas are also mentioned as bad omens when given as gifts.
By delving into these superstitions, the article provides valuable insights for readers to navigate the intricate web of cultural beliefs surrounding gift-giving, ensuring thoughtful and respectful choices for various occasions.
