Box is a run-of-the-mill British phrase describing a wicker box used for the transport of food. Wicker was used as it was sturdy whilst providing superior ventilation for its cargo. Traditionally a container is a gift of food and drink, still presented in a wicker container, which can be given all shift round, although traditionally they were given as gifts at Christmas. More and more people send food gifts, but hampers can include drink, toys and sweets too.
The first hampers were brought to Britain by William the Conqueror. The word hamper is from the French ' hanapier ' which means a case for goblets. The tradition of giving hampers at Christmas was started in Victorian times. Wealthy families used to put a basket of food and drink together to give to their staff to use over the holiday period.
During the Victorian times the amount of food in a hamper would be limited to that which one person could carry and would usually be enough for one week. The contents of the hampers would be seasonal produce that would ensure that the Victorian ' s staff could have a great Christmas feast in their own home.
In the late 1800s as the railways expanded people found it easier to send hampers to friends and relatives based in the large industrial cities. Fresh produce was a great bonus for city folk who were used to stale and preserved products that may have travelled for some distance to get into the larger cities.
Although the sending of hampers had been a charitable gesture up to the Victorian era, a London department store caught on to the idea of sending hampers as gifts to loved ones around the UK and the idea of gift hampers took off. People could now send hampers as a gift and, although it was traditionally done at Christmas, we soon came to realise that the hamper was an appropriate gift all year round.
Hampers can be sent for all sorts of occasions, from the traditional Christmas hamper to house - warming gifts and birthday presents. Sending a hamper not only gives the receiver a basket full of wonderful gifts but it also stimulates sight, taste and smell.
