Editing Gift (section)

=== Ancient ===
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In [[Ancient Egypt]] and [[Mesopotamia]], gifts were presented to rulers and deities as symbols of devotion or allegiance. Archaeological records and cuneiform tablets describe tributes of grain, livestock, and precious metals given as offerings or tokens of loyalty.<ref>Wilkinson, Richard H. ''The Complete Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt''. Thames & Hudson, 2003.</ref>

In [[Ancient Greece]], the institution of ''[[xenia]]'' (guest-friendship) involved ritualized gift exchanges between hosts and guests. These practices, frequently described in [[Homeric epics]] such as the ''[[Odyssey]]'', served to strengthen social ties and demonstrate respect.<ref>Homer. ''The Odyssey'', translated by Robert Fagles. Penguin Classics, 1996.</ref>

In the [[Roman Empire|Roman world]], elites gave ''[[munera]]'' (public gifts or services), including gladiatorial games and food distributions, as acts of civic generosity and to enhance political reputation.<ref>Hopkins, Keith. ''Conquerors and Slaves''. Cambridge University Press, 1978.</ref>

In [[Ancient China]], gift-giving was guided by the Confucian ideal of ''[[Li (Confucianism)|li]]'' (ritual propriety). Formal exchanges of gifts—such as jade, scrolls, or tea—were common among the aristocracy and scholars and symbolized respect and social hierarchy.<ref>Li, Chenyang. ''The Confucian Philosophy of Harmony''. Routledge, 2013.</ref>

Many ancient religious traditions also incorporated gift-giving. In the [[Rigveda]], patrons offered cattle, gold, and horses to priests as part of ritual sacrifices.<ref>Griffith, Ralph T.H. ''The Hymns of the Rigveda''. Evinity Publishing Inc., 2009.</ref> In [[Christian tradition]], the [[Biblical Magi|Magi]]'s presentation of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the infant [[Jesus]] is an early example of symbolic religious gift-giving, commemorated in modern [[Christmas]] customs.<ref>[[Gospel of Matthew|Matthew]] 2:11, Holy Bible.</ref>