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White Elephants

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic (by 7 people)   Your rating: 1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic

Ranked #6555 in How-To, #62581 overall

Rated G. (Control what you see)

The Myth and Meaning of the White Elephant

 

I remember the first time when I was a young girl when my mother explained that we would be playing a game called "White Elephant Gifts" at the Christmas party we would be attending later that afternoon. In response to the quizzical look on my face, she continued to explain that the purpose of this game is to trade gifts that no one really wants to have. I didn't get the appeal and I was further confused by its name which seemed oddly unfitting for the game description. That confusion was dispelled years later when I finally investigated into the Origin of White Elephant Gifts.

Do White Elphants Really Exist? 

Yes, absolutely! White Elephants really do exist! Traditionally, these large extremely rare creatures were guarded by emperors in countries in Southeast Asia, including Laos, Cambodia, Burma and Thailand. For a ruler to possess such a magnificent being was considered a blessing and a sign of affluence in the land. It was such an honor that if anyone ever came across a wild white elephant, it was the law in Thailand to notify the officials immediately. Once notified of a white elephant spotting, inspectors would check the elephant for quality and special characteristics. The physical would include everything from hair and eyes to toenails and even genitals. The extensive testing was designed to distinguish the exquisite beings from the common. A white elephant in top physical shape was considered much more valuable than one with defects. If the elephant is deemed worthy of royal honors, the king would throw a celebration to bestow the position of royal white elephant.

White Elephant Curse 

During the days when the White Elephant was most revered, they were occasionally given as gifts from rulers to civilians. This gift could not be rejected and was in many ways a blessing because of the belief in the sacred nature of the beings; at the same time, it was a tremendous burden! How many people other than the emperor could afford the upkeep of room and board for the elephant?! Not many! And, of course, a creature of such beauty and wonder is deserving of visitors. People from all over would surely pay their respects nearly around the clock and, as the host, you were responsible for taking care of the visitors as well. You can see how this would quickly bankrupt the average person!

Great Stuff on eBay 

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eBay

Rules of the White Elephant Gift Exchange 

Here are the general rules that I have always played under, but if you have an interesting variation, feel free to include it in your comment at the bottom of the page.

Everyone brings a gift, usually it's socially awkward and/or completely useless in nature. Once all the guests arrive, everyone gathers around in a big circle and gets ready to have a white elephant gift opening. The first person chooses a gift from the gift table and opens it for all to see. The next person can either steal that gift or choose another gift to open. If they choose to steal the gift, the first person must choose another and open it to replace their lost gift. The process keeps on going all the way around the circle until everyone has a gift and no more are left on the table. The more outlandish and useless the gift, the more exciting and fun the game will be.

White Elephant Gift Exchanges: Love Em or Hate Em? 

Some people are party game people and some aren't. The uselessness and randomness of the gifts involved in White Elephant Gift Exchange make this game even more controversial, so what do you think?

Do you love it or hate it?

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Love it

Sunfish says:

I've only participated once in a white elephant evening, and it was great fun!

Posted August 28, 2008

Catalysthere says:

This is a great way to recycle stuff you have been given, don't want and are desperate to get rid of, I like this lens a lot!!
Well Done, You are a featured lens for this week in http://www.squidoo.com/groups/Socialpostingangel

Posted August 26, 2008

Tiddledeewinks says:

Lots of fun game (gift exchange), to play. Last Christmas at this game I got a set of indoor/outdoor rugs!

Posted July 25, 2008

chefkeem says:

I love it. It's such an exciting game when you're in the right company. I once got a Beethoven plaster bust, but somebody snatched it away from me in the end. Dang.

Posted June 13, 2008

kab says:

I love the white elephant. I once got corn holders that had a pig's head and front legs on one side, and his read end on the other!

Posted June 13, 2008

Hate it

 
 
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Christmas Countdown 


White Elephant Books on Amazon 

Good Fortune Elephant Sculpture Plant Stand in Faux Ivory - Aspen Country Store

Good Fortune Elephant Sculpture Plant Stand in Faux Ivory - Aspen Country Store

Amazon Price: $31.95 (as of 09/06/2008)

The White Elephant

The White Elephant

by Sid Fleischman

Amazon Price: $12.47 (as of 09/06/2008)

28-oz. Elephant Teapot - White

28-oz. Elephant Teapot - White

Amazon Price: $14.99 (as of 09/06/2008)

2107 Curious Word Origins, Sayings and Expressions from White Elephants to Song Dance

2107 Curious Word Origins, Sayings and Expressions from White Elephants to Song Dance

by Charles Earle Funk

Amazon Price: (as of 09/06/2008)

Best White Elephant Gifts EVER! 

Everyone who has ever attended a White Elephant Gift Exchange knows that the best part is seeing the random useless items everyone brings. Do you have a favorite? Or perhaps several favorites? Be sure to list them below! Don't forget to vote for the ones you love most!

#1

Vote Up

http://www.squidoo.com/AntiWishList

1 point

Some White Elephant Gear from CafePress 

White Elephant Mousepad

White Elephant Mousepad

from Popanium's Foto Art Design

Price: 13.50

Buy Now

White Elephant - Magnet

White Elephant - Magnet

from The CreativeTaylor Boutique

Price: 3.33

Buy Now

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White Elephant Messages 

Leave some love for your favorite creatures or share some stories from the last time you exchanged gifts white elephant style.

Catalysthere

I am all in favour of recycling and this game is a great way to do it.
You are a featured lens for this week in http://www.squidoo.com/groups/Socialpostingangel
well done!!

Posted August 26, 2008
Tiddledeewinks

Fun lens!

Posted July 25, 2008
mulberry

I received a white elephant gift of a very large ceramic pineapple.

Posted June 14, 2008
chefkeem

What a great lens idea. I love the gift game. 5*s

Posted June 13, 2008

Related topics: White Elephants,  best white elephant gifts ever,  christmas countdown,  How-To & Education,  more

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cherangelry

About cherangelry

I am a lover of learning. With a degree in psychology, I am currently working towards becoming an occupational therapist. Along my academic journey, I have found that I have many talents and interests.

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