The Intriguing History and Dynamics of White Elephant Gift Exchanges
The only time stealing is socially acceptable throughout the year is during the holidays when White Elephant is played. If you're unfamiliar with the game, it comprises a group of people who bring silly, unique, and funny gifts for an exchange. In each round, a participant has the option of either stealing a previously opened gift or choosing a wrapped one from the pile. Rules vary but, the core of the game remains the same. However, does anyone actually gift an albino porcelain-looking mammal or even know why we call the game this 'White Elephant'?
The Origin of the Game
According to historic legend, the origin of the White Elephant gift exchange stems back to the Kingdom of Siam, modern-day Thailand. In this royal tradition, the Siamese King would gift a real white elephant to those who displeased him. While white elephants were revered symbols in Thai and Buddhist cultures, such gifts were far from an honor. In fact, these rare elephants were incredibly expensive to maintain, with these 6- to 12-ton mammals consuming 200 to 600 pounds of food daily.
White Elephants in Thai Culture
In Thai culture, white elephants were considered sacred and a symbol of royal privilege and wealth. Owning a white elephant was a significant responsibility, as they required vast resources to care for, including dedicated mahouts (elephant trainers). The cost of feeding and maintaining a white elephant was immense, and owning one often led to financial ruin for its owners. Because of this, the gift of a white elephant was a way for the king to punish his subjects while maintaining their dignity, indirectly signaling their disgrace.
The Evolution of the Game
Over the years, the concept of the white elephant gift exchange evolved into a fun and entertaining holiday tradition. Today, participants bring gifts that are impractical, humorous, or extravagant, often quirky and unusual. The goal is to entertain and amuse everyone rather than focusing on the practicality or usefulness of the gifts. These gifts can range from bizarre toys to strangely shaped kitchen gadgets, and can even be humorous costumes or clothing items.
White Elephant Gift Exchange Rules and Variations
The rules of a white elephant gift exchange can vary, but here are some common guidelines:
Each participant brings a wrapped gift to the exchange. The host may set rules regarding the types of gifts or price limits. Participants draw numbers to determine the order of gift selection. The first person selects and opens a gift. Subsequent participants can either choose to unwrap a new gift or steal a previously opened gift.Why Do We Call It a 'White Elephant'?
The term 'white elephant' is still used colloquially to describe something that is prestigious but impractical or burdensome. While the origins of the game may stem from a Thai royal practice, the term has taken on a broader cultural meaning. Today, a 'white elephant' is any unnecessary or impractical object, and the gift exchange continues to be a playful way to bring this concept to life.
Conclusion
The White Elephant gift exchange is a tradition that continues to bring joy, laughter, and a bit of chaos to holiday celebrations. While the history behind the game is complex and rooted in cultural traditions, the fun and spirit of the exchange remain constant. So, the next time you're faced with a silly gift at a White Elephant party, remember that it might just be your lucky day to win a 'white elephant'!