Is This Universal?

Yesterday when I was at work, it was Fred’s birthday, he is a lovely lad, I went over to where he was sitting, alone in the office and I said, “Close your eyes and hold out your hand,” He did and I put into his hand a large bar of chocolate, He opened his eyes and there was a wide smile, I said, “This is for you, for your birthday,” Fred said, “Thank you.”

I’ve done this for other Staff at work and for Paul, Daniel and Meghan, throughout the years. I have had it said to me. Not once did I or they, think something bad was going to be put into the hand. It got me thinking, is this lovely, sweet surprise, universal? Is it just a Western thing?

I was watching a programme, about a husband who murdered his wife, it was in America, he asked her to, “Put the blindfolds on and guess the scent of the candles,” Then he battered her over the head and killed her. So, I guess it’s a Western thing, for she didn’t expect that, nor was she expecting to get something nice, for her hand was not held out, she was expecting it to be a nice experience.

Meghan loves to guess what it is, that I have put into her hand, usually she is right, but not always. I love to watch her face, hers and others always have a smile. Usually, the item is not expensive but a treat, that I know the person loves, or something that I love.

I’d love to know, it this lovely gesture, happens around the world.