White elephant

Lord White Elephant

The White Elephant, Punch 103

White elephant refers to a rare or valuable possession that its owner cannot dispose of and whose cost, particularly that of upkeep, is out of proportion to its usefulness or worth. The term originates from the historic practice in South Asia, where monarchs would gift a white elephant to courtiers they wished to financially ruin, as the animals were considered sacred and could not be put to work to recoup the cost of their care.

Origin and history

The concept of the white elephant is deeply rooted in the cultures of countries such as Thailand (formerly Siam), Myanmar (formerly Burma), Laos, and Cambodia. In these cultures, white elephants were considered holy creatures symbolizing royal power and prosperity, and laws protected them from labor, making their maintenance a costly endeavor for their owners. The kings of these countries would sometimes gift white elephants to courtiers who had displeased them. The recipient, unable to refuse the gift, would face financial ruin due to the immense cost of maintaining an animal that could not be used for labor.

Cultural significance

In Buddhism, the white elephant is associated with the birth of Gautama Buddha. According to legend, his mother, Queen Maya, dreamt of a white elephant presenting her with a lotus flower, a symbol of purity and enlightenment, which foretold the birth of the Buddha. This religious significance elevates the white elephant to a status beyond mere rarity, imbuing it with spiritual and cultural importance in regions where Buddhism is practiced.

Modern usage

Today, the term "white elephant" is used more broadly to describe any burdensome possession that is more trouble than it is worth. This can include expensive but underperforming investments, properties that are costly to maintain, or any item whose ownership costs exceed its utility or value. The term is also popularly used in the context of "white elephant gift exchanges," a party game where participants exchange impractical or eccentric gifts, often during holiday gatherings.

In popular culture

The concept of the white elephant has permeated various aspects of popular culture, including literature, film, and television, often symbolizing an unwanted or burdensome gift that brings more distress than joy to its recipient.

See also

• Elephant in the room
• Gift economy
• Potlatch