In many cultures, gift-giving is a way to establish and maintain social relationships, show respect and honor, and gain favor or influence. In the context of politics, gift-giving can serve several important functions.
From cultural artifacts to political alliances, gifts have certainly played a vital role in shaping history as we know today.
Here are 5 monuments you may never guessed was a gift:
- The Amber Room
The Amber Room was a gift from King Frederick I of Prussia to Peter the Great of Russia in 1716. The room was a masterpiece of baroque art and was made entirely of amber panels, gold leaf, and precious stones. The room was installed in the Catherine Palace near St. Petersburg and was considered one of the greatest works of art in the world. During World War II, the room was looted by the Nazis and disappeared. Its current whereabouts are unknown, but many speculate that it may still be hidden somewhere in Europe.
- The Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is one of the most iconic gifts in history. Most people know that the statue was a gift from France, but did you know that it was originally intended for Egypt? That’s right, French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi initially wanted to create a statue of an Egyptian peasant woman holding a torch, which was supposed to be placed at the entrance of the Suez Canal. However, when the project fell through, Bartholdi decided to repurpose the statue and gift it to the United States instead.
- The Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is one of the world’s most famous architectural masterpieces and is widely regarded as a symbol of love and devotion. The Taj Mahal was built as a gift from Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died in childbirth in 1631. The emperor was said to have been deeply heartbroken by his wife’s death, and he commissioned the construction of the Taj Mahal in her memory.
- The Great Buddha of Kamakura
The Eiffel Tower is another iconic monument that was actually a gift. It was built for the 1889 Exposition Universelle (World’s Fair) in Paris to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. The tower was designed by Gustave Eiffel, and its construction took two years, two months, and five days to complete. At the time of its construction, it was the tallest man-made structure in the world, standing at 1,063 feet.
- The Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House is a gift? Yes it is! I was made in 1956 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet in Australia. It was designed by Danish architect Jorn Utzon and gifted to the city of Sydney, Australia in 1957. The iconic building was officially opened on October 20, 1973 and has since become one of the most recognizable landmarks in Australia, attracting millions of visitors each year.
Now you know why gifts are important in a relationship. We hope you learn something new today! Even though it’s hard to be sending the Taj Mahal as a gift these days (fuh, very high standards here), we can always get them something small and personalize gifts to their taste. Try out Re:Crave today and send your loved ones amazing gifts that they will love.
Read more: Editor’s Pick #1 – Malaysian Gift Brands You Should Know
