Young Australians baffled by ‘mysterious’ item in thousands of homes: ‘Gen Z doesn’t get it’

Young Australians are losing their minds over a “mysterious” household object they grew up with – but no one knows what it does.

TikTok star Russ recently revealed that his childhood was filled with memories of a specific box he had never seen in stores.

He shared an image of a carved wooden box, which older Australians later identified as a “glory box”.

‘This video is aimed at moms and dads over 50 years old. What the fuck is going on with this box? ‘she asked. ‘Where do you buy them? Why do you have them? Something is happening that we don’t know.

‘This box is in every house in the memory of my childhood. Everyone has it, but no one sells it. I’m confused, everyone’s confused, it’s about time we got some answers.’

Russ’ hilarious video was met with hundreds of people equally baffled about the mysterious object, but some revealed its true purpose.

The box pictured was originally sold at the Copperart retail store and was used as a “souvenir box” of sorts.

Parents often filled the chest with items their children brought with them after they married and moved away, such as bedding and dishes.

Many also used the boxes to store clothes and sheets because they were believed to be moth-proof.

The tradition of a “glory chest” extends beyond Australia and New Zealand: families in the United States call it a “hope chest” and a “tousseau” in France.

The Aussies in the comments revealed what else they’ve used their glory boxes for.

“My box is full of my babies’ firsts: hospital bracelets, lanyards, well-wishing cards, teeth, locks of hair,” said one mother.

“Mom wears her sweaters and they always have a certain nostalgic smell,” another shared.

“I was given one in the early ’80s, to hold anything I might need when I moved house,” one revealed.

A fourth wrote: “I’m 25 years old and I was given the picture of glory through the women in my family, but I didn’t get married, I just moved away from home.”