Is a Money Garland Necessary When a Family Member Graduates?
Graduation is a huge milestone for the graduate and also significant for their family
It’s a time to celebrate years of hard work, dedication, and countless sleepless nights.
People commemorate this achievement in various ways. One odd tradition has caught my eye: the money garland. And it is viral today.
But why do we need to adorn our loved ones with strings of cash? Is it?
The practice of gifting money garlands is common in Filipino and Hawaiian cultures. It blends practicality and festivity.
Hawaii gives leis made of flowers to honor someone’s achievements. Money leis or garlands have evolved from this tradition. They replace or add to the flowers with folded bills.
In the Philippines, celebrations are vibrant and lavish. The money garland is a sign of pride and support. It’s a way for families to show their investment in their graduates. Beyond these areas, the trend is catching on in many communities worldwide. A mix of cultural appreciation and financial realism.
I remember the day my cousin graduated from college. She was the first in their family to earn a degree, and we wanted to make the day as memorable as possible. I helped them and we spent hours crafting a garland of money, folding each bill into intricate shapes. The look on her face when we placed it around her neck was priceless — pure joy mixed with a bit of disbelief.
As she walked across the stage, the garland bouncing with each step, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride. It wasn’t about the money but everything it represented. Each bill symbolized her parents' collective sacrifices and hopes for her future.
Giving and receiving money garlands can have a psychological impact.
For the graduate, it’s an immediate acknowledgment of their hard work. It shows the value that their family places on their achievements. A tangible sign of their support and cherished status
An opportunity for the givers to express their pride and hope. The money is a lot. Well, they show the love and effort put into making the garland. This gesture can strengthen familial bonds and create lasting memories.
But that money garlands are an unnecessary extravagance. It might be a wasteful display of wealth or question its practicality.
Graduations mark the transition from one life stage to another. They also precede a period of financial uncertainty as new graduates enter the job market.
A money garland can provide a small but significant financial cushion. It can cover immediate expenses like job applications and interview travel, as well as a celebratory dinner.
Giving money creatively and thoughtfully adds emotional value. Handing over cash would lack this value. The effort to craft the garland makes the gift more meaningful and memorable.
In many cultures, gift-giving is part of celebrating milestones. The money garland is a contemporary twist on this age-old tradition. It’s a symbolic with the practical, with the traditional with the modern.
Adapting cultural practices to fit modern contexts is natural.
Yeah, it’s necessary to keep traditions alive. The money garland honors our heritage and makes it relevant today, too.
One concern is the environmental impact of elaborate celebrations.
Crafting a money garland doesn’t necessarily have to be wasteful. We’ve made this tradition more sustainable. We use eco-friendly materials for the garland’s structure. And we handle the money in a way that doesn’t damage it.
The garland itself is a gift that keeps on giving. But for me, don’t give too much just to show off.
The graduate can use it, making the gesture friendly to both the environment and the wallet.
From my practical standpoint, no, a money garland is unnecessary.
There are countless ways to celebrate graduations, each meaningful in its own right. The money garland’s necessity lies not in its practicality but in its symbolism.
For many, it’s a way to honor tradition, express pride and support, and add festivity to the occasion. It’s a unique way to celebrate an achievement. It creates a memorable experience for the graduate.
Emotions run high during graduations.
This public display can boost the graduate’s confidence and sense of belonging.
But…
Other graduates will feel jealous.
The graduates who receive tons of money garlands can also be arrogant and post it on social media.
But that’s your option if you want that, too. No worries.
If you have that in mind for your Family member or a relative, then personalize it. Add small touches, like encouraging notes or charms. They should represent the graduate’s interests.
The most valuable gifts are those given with love and thoughtfulness. What truly counts is the sentiment behind the gesture, not its form.
If you have a loved one graduating soon, what kind of celebration will mean the most to them?
Thanks for taking the time to read. I’d like to hear your perspective.
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