Macedonians & money, plz explain?

I dont understand why Macedonians seem to place such importance on aquiring & doling out money, i am not macedonian, but my husband is half macedonian, & recently met his biological father, who was born in Macedonia & has all his family over there. Well he always seems to want to give my hubby money, even though we dont need it (my hubby owns his own business, which we work at, full time), & i remember this being the case with some macedonian friends at school, these girls would tell us (myself & other friends) stories about cousins getting married & that between all the guests & the married couples' family, they'd get soooo much money as to make the mind boggle (i'm not talking millions here, but 10's of 1000's is enough to surprise you!), & its just a wedding! Dont even get me started on trying to understand Macedonian parents giving their children hotted up cars (ferraris, etc) for 18th or 21st birthdays! I just dont get why they place so much importance on money? I really want to understand the reasoning behind it, so that i dont tread on any toes or offend anyone. Thanx in advance for any explanations. :-)