Giving someone a present is a gesture of appreciation and love. People will go to great lengths to find a friend or a loved one something that is truly memorable. Ladies will brave the traffic and crowds to get that newest pair of sneakers for their boyfriends. Men want to rush to the flower shop as soon as it opens to get some great pickings. Some would choose to go the customized route and have some personalized rings crafted for a friend or a relative. The effort would be all worth it once you see the smile on your loved one’s face when they receive your present.
When it comes to giving out gifts, people always say it is the thought that counts. That is true, as the virtue of giving is more important than the monetary value of a present. But when you look back at history, you will find some gifts that are grander than anything you have seen.
Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is a landmark in India, one of the world’s most populous cities. It is a mausoleum built and dedicated to Mumtaz Mahal. She was one of the wives of the emperor Shah Jahan, who ruled the Mogul empire from 1628 to 1658.
Mumtaz is said to be the most special amongst the emperor’s wives. When she died during childbirth in 1631, he decided to honor her by ordering the construction of the Taj Mahal. It was a project that would take more than a decade to complete. The walls and domes of the structure are mostly made up of marble. Shah Jahan’s life journey would come full circle on his death, as he would also be laid to rest here. A fitting story to a posthumous gift that you can also consider as a declaration of undying love.
Statue of Liberty
A lot of people associate the Statue of Liberty with the city of New York. For many, the giant sculpture is a symbol of freedom. It is also one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks. It attracts thousands of tourists every year. While one could dismiss it as an American treasure, its origin is traced to Europe.
The statue is a gift from France to the United States as a gesture of goodwill and friendship. Both countries also share a passion for democracy. It was built as a symbol to inspire people to value freedom. It is made out of copper, but if you would notice, its color is nearer to mint green. That is because through the years, it has been exposed to natural elements, and this color is a result of the metal’s oxidation. It has towered over the city since 1886.
Hanging Gardens of Babylon
The Hanging Gardens are no longer around, but it is a gift that exemplifies going over the top. It is a structure that is said to be built during the 6th century BC. The king of Babylon then was Nebuchadnezzar II, and he had a wife named Amytis. She was a native of Media, which is known for its lush trees and many other plant species. She missed being in that environment, which sparked the king to order the construction of the so-called Hanging Gardens.
It was one of the seven wonders of the ancient civilization. It is said that it was built in the desert, so you have to appreciate the feat of engineering to pull off an irrigation system that would keep the plants hydrated. The building itself does not feature hanging gardens. Instead, it features several floors full of vegetation that also spilled onto its many stairs.
Most people can only dream of giving out these “gifts” to their loved ones. Know that objects or anything tangible can be taken away or destroyed. But the love and memories that you share with others will stay for the rest of your lives.