Giving the Gift of Gold in Asia
Precious Metals have been an integral part of people’s lives for millennia. This Gold continues to have a tremendous impact on today’s economy and society as a whole. So deep is this influence on us that gold bullion plays an intrinsic role in customs and traditions around the world.
In Asia, many celebrations and commemorations are not complete or fully realized unless precious metals play its part. Gold bullion, coins, and jewelry serve as gifts and offerings for many social events and gatherings.
Gold, an Illustrious Birthday Gift
India
In India, gold is an auspicious gift. Often expected as a gift at weddings, birthdays, and even for childbirths, gold is a fundamental part of Indian culture and is presented at most ceremonies. Aside from being highly valued, sometimes more than money, many in India consider gold lucky. So, it’s no wonder that this precious metal is the highest form of gift in the country.
Consider that in September 2019, a supporter of Narendra Modi, India’s Prime Minister, offered a 1.25 kg gold crown to the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple. He bequeathed the gold to commemorate the Prime Minister’s 69th birthday. The supporter said that he gave the gold crown because he wanted Modi and the future of their nation to shine like gold.
South Korea
Like in India, physical gold is among the most common gifts in South Korea. This is especially the case for the first birthday celebrations. Not only is gold given to commemorate this milestone in life, but there is also a practical consideration. A person can easily convert gold into cash in an emergency.
Moon Sang Soo, a Seoul resident, shared in a New York Times interview that he received more than twenty 24-karat gold rings on his first birthday. His son also received many gold rings on his first birthday, too, in line with this Korean custom.
In countries like Japan and China, grandparents shower their grandbabies with gifts of precious metals too, but they do this on the baby’s first month or 100th day.
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