Hadegave: The Art of Gifting with Humor in Denmark
Some traditions offer delightful surprises – like trying new foods or drinks, usually with pleasant tastes. But other customs might catch you off guard, such as the Danish “hadegave,” which translates as gag gift, 'hate-present' – indeed, a present meant to be disliked!
But why would anyone give a gift intended to be hated? And what do you do with such a present? This quirky tradition reflects the Danish sense of humor and their laid-back approach to life. In some families, adults forgo exchanging traditional gifts and instead give each other an occasional 'hadegave,' or use them for the popular 'pakkeleg' (package game).
Finding the perfect gift someone will love is an art, but so is choosing the right one they will genuinely dislike. With a 'hadegave,' you demonstrate that you know the person well, haven't forgotten them, and can share a good laugh together. A bonus? You’ll likely spend less on a playful 'hate present' than on a serious gift.
If you're eager to delve deeper into Danish culture by giving a 'hadegave,' consider the environment. Instead of buying something new, why not explore charity shops like Røde Kors, Kirkens Korshær, or Kirkens Genbrug? These shops are treasure troves of quirky items - from oddly shaped salt and pepper shakers to eccentric art pieces ripe for enhancing with your creativity. Puzzles with impossibly similar pieces, oddly shaped candles, ugly holiday sweaters, and ridiculous mugs all can get one more chance as a hadegave, and your money goes to a good cause.
In a way, you could say that these 'hadegaver' emphasize that it’s the thought that counts and that overconsumption is passé. What's not to like? Aside from the ugly physical manifestation of these great thoughts, of course?
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