Giving Gifts: Faith vs. Superstition

Giving Gifts: Faith vs. Superstition
 

       First let's 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. It is the belief in supernatural causality - that one event causes another without any natural process linking the two events—such as astrology, religion, omens, witchcraft, prophecies, etc., that contradicts natural science. It is based on or lack of true knowledge of God and His ways. It is also based on the fear of the unknown.

            On the other hand, faith is based on God. Faith is based on the knowledge of who God is and how and why He does things. Faith is also something that God gives to us and not something that we can generate. We can, at best, respond in faith to what He speaks to us. It is based on trust and confidence in God and His revealed word. We are willing to leave the unknown in the faithful hands of our God who knows and plans our future.   Therefore, superstition, unlike faith, has no substantial basis; nor is its conclusions reached by logical deductions. There are many different superstitions about gift giving. Here are some...

 

1.      It’s believed that red wallets will bring lots of money and good fortune. These days, the color of your wallet is not as important, but only a few years ago people preferred red wallets over other colors. Red wallets used to be common gifts. If you intend to give a wallet as a gift, make sure to put some money in it because it satisfies another level of giving good fortune.

• Wallets fall into the personal item category for most guys. A woman who buys something like that is usually making a statement that she knows him well - i.e., she has the "serious gf status" to buy something personal for her guy. It is termed as awkward for the guy if he does not view their relationship on that level (yet).
• It is said that if you didn't put money in it that you would curse the people you were giving it to. They would have bad luck with money for the rest of the time they used your gift.

2.      It is said that should never give someone you love a pair of shoes as a Christmas gift as this will make the recipient walk away from you. Giving shoes as a gift to your loved one is a bad idea. It’s believed that when you do this, your lover will soon break up with you. They will “run away” via those new shoes you gifted them. What you can do is exchange a small amount of money for the shoes. This way, it’s actually a purchase and not a gift. That may nullify the bad luck. However, there is no evidence that supports giving shoes as a good way to break up with your partner, either.

 

3.      Ever get a handkerchief as a gift? It’s a very old if uncommon belief that giving a handkerchief as a gift is a way of saying “goodbye” to someone.

4.      Give the gift of red underwear. There is an old saying that one should buy red “long johns” for one’s parents and beloved ones after receiving the first pay check from your first job. Red-coloured underwear was more expensive than the other drab colors offered at the time and therefore more desirable. Anyone who still observes this belief will probably buy red boxers, briefs, bras or panties for their parents and beloved ones. It’s believed that buying red underwear will bring good luck.

5. Giving a pair of scissors or knife as a gift is considered bad luck as it said it would cut the friendship in half. If a lover gives you a knife as a gift this means the love will end soon. If a friend gives you a knife as a gift you should give them a coin, or your friendship would be broken. To avoid bad luck in the relationship, the gift recipient should give a coin as to "pay" for the gift. It is common for the gift-giver to include a penny, often taped to the blade of the knife, which the gift recipient is to return as "payment".