All pre-Christian European peoples shared a broader (Proto)-Indo-European worldview. For those who associate themselves with Indo-European paganism and traditional European culture, it is important to give gifts during the holidays. In this blog, we explore the meaning of giving and hospitality in Indo-European cultures and discover why this ritual still plays a role in our modern society.
Nothing Comes for Free
Is gift-giving purely materialistic? Not according to our ancestors! For them, gifts held a much deeper symbolic meaning. It wasn’t just about the gesture, but about restoring balance in society and maintaining the cosmic order. From this worldview, pre-Christian mythological and historical stories should be understood. Nothing comes for free; in order to receive, you must give something in return. The well-known Latin expression do ut des emphasizes this.
Giving for the Cosmic Order
What do we mean by cosmic order? In short, it is the natural balance that keeps the universe in motion. Think of the Norns, Matres, and Moirai from mythology, who, as weavers of fate, guard this order. In the Vedic tradition, this concept is called Rta, derived from the Proto-Indo-European h₂r-tós (Xartus). More familiar is the Greek word Kosmos. Rta is a dynamic cosmos in which physical objects, like oceans and celestial bodies, and abstract concepts, like moral development, are constantly in motion (gati). All elements in the universe work harmoniously together according to this cosmic order (samghatna). Everything collaborates in harmony, both in nature and in social structures, thanks to the power of Rta. The flow of events is guided by the inevitable laws of cause and effect. The Greeks called this Logos and based their philosophy and science on this 'logic'.
People find their true fulfillment by acting in accordance with the laws of Rta. Ignoring these laws leads to chaos and suffering. To ensure well-being, it is necessary for individuals to align their actions with this cosmic order. This process is called dharma, derived from the Proto-Indo-European *dʰer- ('to support, to hold').
Dharma encompasses the principles and rules that support the Rta. Not adhering to these laws results in adharma, causing disruptions in the natural balance and leading to misery and misfortune.
The Greek word kosmos literally means "order" or "ordered world," and stood in contrast to chaos, which refers to disorder or the primordial state without structure.
Hospitality as a Pagan Gift
Hospitality, also known as the ghósti principle, played a major role in Indo-European societies. Between 4500 and 3500 BCE, a guest-host structure emerged, especially among the Proto-Indo-European pastoral clans that roamed the steppes. During harsh seasons, it became important to regulate local migrations within tribal areas. Initially, hospitality was probably focused on relatives and tribe members (h₂erós), but it later extended to others.
The principle of reciprocal hospitality was preserved in various languages, such as the Latin hospēs ("guest, host"), Old English ġiest ("guest, stranger"), and Old Church Slavonic gostĭ ("guest") and gospodĭ ("master"). This principle also appears in many Indo-European mythologies.
Guests and hosts had a mutual relationship, based on oaths and sacrifices. The giving and receiving of favors often involved ritual acts, where the guest had to show hospitality to the host at a later time. This obligation was even hereditary. In Homer’s works, the warriors Glaucus and Diomedes halt their fight and exchange gifts upon discovering that their grandfathers had a guest-host relationship.
Violating hospitality was considered immoral and illegal, and in Old Irish laws, it was equated with murder. Think of the shocking Red Wedding scene in Game of Thrones, where the Starks are cold-bloodedly murdered after being offered salt and bread as guests.
Offering: A Gift to the Gods
Offering, or praying, was also a form of giving and hospitality. During a ritual, the gods were invited and given offerings. As a good host, the gods could, in return, grant favors. For more information on this, read our text on home altars.
Giving is Logical
It makes sense (and is necessary) to give gifts to everyone who has helped or will help you on the path you will walk in the coming year. It is also logical to give gifts to everyone who has given you something over the past year. This can be a physical gift or something intangible, such as mental support. You do this to restore the cosmic order. They give, and you give something in return — and vice versa.
Indo-European mythology is full of gifts, given by kings to their subjects or by people to one another. Especially prominent are gifts exchanged between the gods and humans. In most myths and stories, the act of gift-giving often involves kings and warriors, as these are the main characters. However, it is likely that this tradition existed across all levels of society. The kings and warriors in these stories serve as role models.
Gift-Giving as a Roman
Several Roman writers mentioned the types of gifts exchanged during Saturnalia (Roman Christmas in honor of the god Saturn). Martial (Marcus Valerius Martialis) noted the giving of candles, figurines, and poems — often short, humorous poems written specifically for the recipient. Pliny mentioned how he frequently gave and received gifts, emphasizing the importance of thoughtfulness and careful selection, focusing on the relationship between the giver and the recipient. Macrobius confirmed the tradition of giving small gifts, such as candles and figurines, and explained that the festival was a time of equality and freedom, where slaves and masters would switch roles. In his biography "De Vita Caesarum" (The Lives of the Caesars), Suetonius recorded that emperors, like Augustus, also distributed gifts to the people during Saturnalia.
Candles & Light
Candles and light symbolized bringing illumination during the dark days. Ultimately, light, life, always triumphs over darkness, death (the period between Samhain and Yule).
https://www.celticwebmerchant.com/en/new/gifts/lanterns-light/
Votive Figurines
Figurines or votive statues symbolize protection and represent protective forces (spirits) or the gods themselves.
https://www.celticwebmerchant.com/en/pagan/woodcarvings-statuettes-home-altars/pagan-statuettes/
Poems
The (Proto)-Indo-European culture was highly poetic. Words carried meaning and influence within the cosmic order.
Gift-Giving as a Viking
In Old Norse literature, the act of gift-giving is a prominent theme, both in historical and mythological contexts. Reciprocity, honor, and strengthening social bonds were central. Giving gifts was a way to increase one's honor and social status. A generous giver received respect, and receiving a gift came with the obligation to acknowledge that honor and reciprocate. The opposite was true for poor gifts, which could tarnish the giver's reputation.
In the Hávamál, a part of the Poetic Edda, gift-giving is seen as a way to form and maintain friendships. Reciprocity was essential: if you received a gift, it was expected that you gave something in return. As verse 41 states:
"With a gift, one answers a gift."
Failing to return a gift was seen as an insult and could damage relationships.
In the Icelandic sagas (Íslendingasögur), gift-giving often plays a role in power dynamics and in maintaining friendships or alliances. Gifts were exchanged between lords and their followers, allies, or as part of marriage alliances.
In Egil’s Saga, we see warriors and leaders exchanging gifts. The protagonist, Egil Skallagrímsson, receives valuable gifts such as swords and rings from kings and nobles. These gifts were not only rewards but also a means to ensure Egil’s loyalty and strengthen social ties.
The Laxdæla Saga describes how gifts were exchanged between important families to ease tensions or forge alliances, for example, during festive gatherings or weddings. These gifts had both ceremonial and symbolic value.
In the stories about Norse kings, the giving of rings, weapons, and jewelry is common. For instance, King Harald Fairhair gave rings to his warriors as a reward for their loyalty and bravery.
Gift of Clothing
In the Viking Age, the finest clothing items owned by the Vikings were often given as gifts. The act of giving clothing was an important social ritual and reflected the wealth of the giver, especially when wealthy Vikings gifted clothing to poorer subjects. This strengthened the relationship between the two parties. However, gift-giving was not limited to the wealthy; gifts were also exchanged among equals or even from subordinates to their lord.
The Hávamál advises gifting weapons and clothing. The sagas are filled with examples of such gifts, especially given during Yule. Although the clothing given was often beautiful, it was not always new. The value of the garment was often enhanced by the fact that it had previously been worn by a chieftain or king. Since kings were seen as descendants of Odin, wearing their garments was associated with good fortune and prosperity.
An example of this can be found in the Ljósvetninga Saga, chapter 13, where Guðmundr receives a beautiful cloak from a trader who stayed with him during the winter. This gift was given in gratitude for the hospitality provided. Travelers often received clothing, but this should be viewed within the context of the hospitality principle.
Another important use of gifting clothing was by women to their husbands. These were new garments, considered as tokens of love, and were exchanged only between married couples or between mother and daughter or sisters.
https://www.celticwebmerchant.com/en/new/gifts/clothing-gifts/
Weapons and Jewelry
For the Vikings, weapons and jewelry held deep symbolic meaning. The gifting of weapons emphasized one's status within the warrior culture, while jewelry like arm rings and torques symbolized wealth and, most importantly, loyalty. They were comparable to oath rings or wedding rings.
https://www.celticwebmerchant.com/en/new/gifts/jewelry-gifts/
https://www.celticwebmerchant.com/en/new/gifts/weapon-gifts/
Gift-Giving as a Celt
In the Táin Bó Cúailnge (The Cattle Raid of Cooley), gifts are described as an essential part of social and political relationships between kings, warriors, and other influential figures. Cú Chulainn, the hero of this tale, receives gifts from his king, Conchobar mac Nessa. These gifts, often weapons or honors, emphasize his status as a warrior. In Fled Bricrenn (Bricriu’s Feast), the giving of gifts also plays a role, with warriors competing for status and honor. They fight not only for personal glory but also for recognition and rewards from their king.
In the Aided Muirchertaig Meic Erca (The Death of Muircertach mac Ercae), the 5th-century king Muirchertach gives gifts to his warriors and other rulers to increase his power and influence. These gifts were more than just material rewards; they symbolized his royal generosity and honor.
Giving Gifts Like Your Ancestors
Would you like to honor the tradition of hospitality and gift-giving just like your ancestors? Visit our webshop for a unique selection of meaningful gifts that perfectly align with the values of reciprocity and community spirit.
Our gift page is inspired by the types of presents exchanged historically. Whether you are looking for clothing, a beautiful votive figurine, symbolic jewelry, or a handcrafted sword, we have something for every occasion.
Complete your gesture of hospitality and discover how our gifts not only bring joy to the recipient but also strengthen the connection to ancient traditions. Click through now and find the perfect gift to celebrate your relationships!
Weapons
https://www.celticwebmerchant.com/en/new/gifts/weapon-gifts/
Jewelry
https://www.celticwebmerchant.com/en/new/gifts/jewelry-gifts/
Symbolism
https://www.celticwebmerchant.com/en/new/gifts/gifts-from-your-ancestors/
Clothing
https://www.celticwebmerchant.com/en/new/gifts/clothing-gifts/
Lighting
https://www.celticwebmerchant.com/en/new/gifts/lanterns-light/