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Early Roman Had
‘Practical’ View
On Gift Giving
“Christmas is getting too commercial!”
This modern complaint, while it may have force, is somewhat lacking in originality.
“I hate the crafty arts of giving presents,” said the witty Roman poet Martial, who lived and wrote from about 40 to 104 A.D. “Gifts are like hooks.”
His complaint was expressed in a series of poems written for a wealthy patron, at the time of the Saturnalia, the pagan festival from which came many Christmas customs.
Martial, however, was not always averse to presents. After listing a large number of small gifts, such as toothpicks, figs, napkins, which had been delivered to him, he pointed out that it would have been much easier for the messenger to bring him "five pounds of silver plate.”
With many speeches, it is difficult to select subject or object.
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