Do Jehovah's Witnesses give wedding gifts?

Answer 1

Yes, we have bridal showers. We also have baby showers.

The only things we do not observe are celebrations that have the worship of pagan gods as the root of the practice. For example, Easter (fertility goddess Oestre- hense the eggs and bunnies), Christmas (celebration of the winter solstice/Saturnalia), birthdays (goddess Ashtoreth) etc. etc.

This is because in Exodus 20, (where the 10 commandments are) God said "You must not have any other gods before me- you must not bow down to them nor be induced to serve them"

That idea is carried on throughout the scriptures and was repeated by Jesus him self in answer to Satan, who had offered him kingdoms in return for an act of worship. Jesus reply was "it is written- it is to Jehovah your God you must worship, and to Him alone you must render sacred service"

So- anything that carries the ancient practices of false god worship (even if it has been re-named and christianized... to induce people to worship) Witnesses don't participate.

Baby showers and bridal showers have no roots in ancient worship of anyone.

They are just gatherings to help support newly married couples (and among Witnesses, it is even more important to get a little help because we don't live together or set up house prior to marriage) or to help out new parents and also show support for them.

Answer 2

Because, as far as we currently know, these celebrations have no roots in pagan religious rituals. We avoid major holidays, including Christmas, and birthday celebrations because these are based on ancient pagan rituals that served to worship and honor gods other than the God of The Bible.

Answer 3

Yes and if you choose to do so we should recall the apostle John's comment about "the showy display of one's means of life." He linked such showiness, not with Christians who manifest their faith in actions, but with 'the world that is passing away.' (1 John 2:16, 17) In view of John's inspired observation, should the newlyweds identify to all the giver of each gift? Christians from Macedonia and Achaia made contributions to brothers in Jerusalem, but there is no indication that their names were publicized. (Romans 15:26) Many Christians who give a wedding present would want to remain anonymous rather than attract undue attention to themselves. In this regard, review Jesus' counsel found at Matthew 6:1-4.

Identifying the givers of gifts could lead to "stirring up competition" as to which is the better or the more costly gift. Wise Christian newlyweds will refrain from publicly announcing the names of gift givers. Announcing the names of the givers might embarrass others who were perhaps unable to afford to give a gift. (Galatians 5:26; 6:10) Granted, it is not wrong for the bride and groom to know who gave a certain gift. They could possibly learn that from an appropriate card that accompanies the present but is not read publicly. When buying, giving, and receiving wedding gifts, we all have a chance to prove that even in such a private matter, our faith is affecting our actions.

Source: Watchtower Library 2008

Answer 4

yesthe answer is yes but it must not be "inappropiate"

Answer 5

Yes. It is a decision to be made by each individual witness of Jehovah.