Christmas Day is fast approaching, and the gift-giving season has already begun. The tradition of giving gifts originates from prehistoric times and pagan rituals, evolving over centuries to become a custom embraced by many cultures. Among Filipinos, gift-giving holds particular significance as it plays a vital role in the social fabric. Gifts are exchanged for a variety of reasons, sometimes even conflicting ones. In some instances, cultural norms dictate the practice, such as during Christmas or birthdays. In other cases, gift-giving serves to build and strengthen relationships with family members or potential partners and is carried out for diverse purposes.
Visual artists often create small artworks for Christmas exchange gifts, a common practice. This tradition, rooted in the era of the old masters, reflects a connection to a rich historical legacy.
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