Donum, in law, is a conveyance which passeth either lands or goods; and is of a larger extent than a grant, being applied to things moveable and immoveable; yet as to things immoveable, when taken strictly, it is applicable only to lands and tenements given in tail; but gift and grant are too often confounded.

New-Year's GIFTS, presents made on new-year's day, as a token of the giver's good-will, as well as by way of preface of a happy year.

This practice is very ancient, the origin of it among the Romans being referred to Tatius king of the Sabines, who reigned at Rome conjointly with Romulus, and who having considered as a good omen a present of some sprigs of vervain gathered in a wood consecrated to Strenia the goddess of strength, which he received on the first day of the new year, authorized this custom afterwards, and gave to these presents the name of Strenae. However this may be, the Romans on that day celebrated a festival in honour of Janus, and paid their respects at the same time to Juno; but they did not pass it in idleness, lest they should become indolent during the rest of the year. They sent presents to one another of figs, dates, honey, &c., to show their friends that they wished them a happy and agreeable life. Clients, that is to say those who were under the protection of the great, carried presents of this kind to their patrons, adding to them a small piece of silver. Under Augustus, the senate, the knights, and the people, presented such gifts to him, and in his absence deposited them in the Capitol. Of the succeeding princes some adopted this custom, and others abolished it, but it always continued among the people. The early Christians condemned it, because it appeared to be a relic of Paganism, and a species of superstition; but when it began to have no other object than that of being a mark of veneration and esteem, the church ceased to disapprove of it.