A Total prestation is a gift that symbolically embodies a whole range of relationships. Today, the Christmas gift is the closest we have as it evokes a wide range of institutions from family, to Christianity, capitalism, consumerism, holidays, childhood, and of course personal relationships.
A Total prestation is a gift that carries with it not only the obligation to repay, but also the obligation to give and to receive. A refusal to give or receive gifts is to a refusal of friendship and intercourse.
A Total prestation is a gift that carries the power to create a system of reciprocity in which the honor of both giver and recipient are engaged.