Chinese gift giving

Girl In the OC_IHB

Girl In the OC_IHB

New member
Hey everyone!



Hope you can help me out. And I have a feeling (I hope) that BK will step in and explain the history behind traditional Chinese gift giving...



I am trying to learn about the meanings behind traditional Chinese gifts. I know that Bamboo plants are always a stand by traditional gift, and have read interesting things online about not giving clocks (something to due with death) or scissors (severing of relationships).



We have such a wealth of knowledge regarding so many cultures on this site... and I would really like to learn more about this topic.



Thanks! :cheese:
 
Chinese give Bamboo plants because they represent prosperity. In fact most gifts Chinese give are based on prosperity in one form or another. They do not give Bonsai because they represent limitations or stunting within your home/relationships. If they do give Bonsai it has to be kept outside the home. They give lycee (those red envelopes with cash inside) to children during the lunar new year because children cant make money easily and they "shouldn't start the year poor" They give gold at weddings to the bride 1. to demonstrate their own ability to purchase such items and 2. to give prosperity to the newly married couple. They give a lot of fruits but they must have the leaves and stems attached to represent growth/prosperity. They never ever give clocks because the word rhymes with death of your elders in Chinese, and they do not ever give scissors or knives either because it represents cutting off your luck or prosperity. Most of these "rules" have foundations in Feng Shui.



I'm not as educated about it as some people here but I know a little :)



I hope that helps.
 
Very often, Chinese gift giving involves CASH! This is what I learned while working in Asia few years ago. I don't think they apply here. But thought you might want to know the traditions in China.



Wedding - Cash in red envelope (to help pay for the expenses)

Funeral - Cash in white envelope (to help pay for the expenses)

Chinese New Year - cash in red envelope to elders and children (Only if you are married and employed. Somehow single individual is exempt from this tradition. But working single can still give to the parents).

Birthday (elders like grandparents or parents) - You guess it. More cash in red envelope.



Right now, I can only think of two occasions that do not involve cash giving. I am sure others can expand on this.



Autumn festival - mooncake

Chinese New Year - gift to your boss (generally very nice & expensive item(s))
 
Wow! Thanks guys!



I am interested in learning all the traditions, but my interest began while searching for appropriate gifts in business relationships. I spoke to several of my Chinese friends, but they were mostly raised here and only know a few of the customs, like no scissors (bad - severing of relationship), or items in quantity of 8 (good - lucky numbers). They all mentioned fruit, especially oranges (but I never heard about the stems attached part!). Also, I read somewhere that no gifts are to be given in a business relationship until negotiation is over... or it looks like a bribe.
 
[quote author="Keanu" date=1217598412]Very often, Chinese gift giving involves CASH! This is what I learned while working in Asia few years ago. I don't think they apply here. But thought you might want to know the traditions in China.



Wedding - Cash in red envelope (to help pay for the expenses)

Funeral - Cash in white envelope (to help pay for the expenses)

Chinese New Year - cash in red envelope to elders and children (Only if you are married and employed. Somehow single individual is exempt from this tradition. But working single can still give to the parents).

Birthday (elders like grandparents or parents) - You guess it. More cash in red envelope.



Right now, I can only think of two occasions that do not involve cash giving. I am sure others can expand on this.



Autumn festival - mooncake

Chinese New Year - gift to your boss (generally very nice & expensive item(s))</blockquote>


Cash is KING!

:lol:



-bix
 
[quote author="Astute Observer" date=1217640074][quote author="tenmagnet" date=1217639718]Why do they give Sea salt right at the beginning of the Chinese New Year?</blockquote>


Maybe in 13th century when salt is a commodity in China or something?



Never heard of that, and I know a lot of Chinese friends.... I am going to google it.</blockquote>


This girl I briefly dated gave me sea salt as a gift and was insistent on making sure I received it immediately at the start of the New Year.
 
How's it work when you visit someone with kids, or have kids yourself? Are you supposed to bring some kind of treat for the kids (ex. small toy) because you might get some in return? Is it just for relatives? How does it work?
 
China is a pretty big place and every locality has its own unique traditions. Much of what was practiced in old days have been abandoned or evolved. For example, the bamboo gift uses <em>ribbon dracaena</em>, which is not even native to China (it's from West Africa).



If you're looking for people who still pratice traditional Southern Chinese culture from 19th century, I recommend Malaysian Chinese in Malaysia, age 50+ group. There's a lot of syncretism with local believes, but many still practiced ancient rites like girl's coming of age ceremonies for their daughters. Elsewhere (China/Taiwan), such ceremonies are organized social events where they give out free condoms, and not really contain any cultural value.



<img src="http://www.cultural-china.com/chinaWH/images/arbigimages/a283d01f999f54a909cdd01ef12ceebf.jpg" alt="" />

<img src="http://www.cultural-china.com/chinaWH/images/exbig_images/06881da3a308f05e01a27b0433e08f91.jpg" alt="" />

<img src="http://english.cri.cn/mmsource/images/2008/04/30/4635ceremony3500.jpg" alt="" />



My encounter with "traditional culture" consists of being chased around by my relatives with spiced herbal wine, at age 8 or 9. Something about drinking it will cleanse the body of impurities. Whatever the effects, it gave me a bad taste of alcohol which lasted to this day -- I still don't drink.
 
Thanks Momo!!!



Yes, the gift I will be giving is definately for people over 50 years of age... any advice is appreciated!



Funny about the wine... My neighbors make a tea with a ginseng root, a chicken and who knows what else. They drink it once a year for good health, and it takes all day to prepare. It's quite bitter, but to tell you the truth I really like it!
 
Hey Girl in OC,



My firm has strict rules on monetary value of a business gift and who can receive such a gift. Assuming you don't have any restriction and this person is a very important business partner of yours (or your firm), then you are looking at a gift of around $100 (or more) based on the Asian business culture. Also, there must be a reason for the gift. (ie. Thank you for coming, have a great trip home. This is something to remind you of reaching our business deal and/or your stay in U.S.)



By then again, we are in the U.S. and I assume that person is too. Then, he/she probably does not expect much. But if you insist, then a good meal at Maestro's, a game of golf, or tickets to Lang Lang's upcoming Concert is a good way to show your appreciation.



If it has to be something tangible, how about something that represents the good old U.S.A.? If he is flying, don't do the wine. If he is not flying, then a "good" bottle of California Napa red. Generally in Asia, people will give things that suit the person's hobby or interest. For example, if he plays golf, you can give him a polo shirt up to a good club.



Hope this help. If this person is not as VIP as I think he is, well then..anything goes...?
 
[quote author="tenmagnet" date=1217640249] This girl I briefly dated gave me sea salt as a gift and was insistent on making sure I received it immediately at the start of the New Year.</blockquote>


Ten,



The tradition is to give gift (or red envelope with cash in it) right after the start of the Chinese New Year. I don't think sea salt has any meaning. It is the timing of the act, not the actual gift, which explains her insistence.



But then again, who knows? Maybe she was trying to tell you something?
 
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