Chinese Gift Exchange Customs for Family and Friend

Another reason to not open the gift in front of the giver is because they do not want you to compare theirs with the gift that you are giving them.

Expect Chinese people to refuse to accept the gift the first couple of times, because they do not to appear too greedy. What you need to do is persistently put the gift back into their hands.

china castle
A sword for the warrior…

Now I will go on to things that are not considered a good gift. First, anything that is a sharp object or weapon such as scissors, knife, sword, or gun is considered a bad gift.

Why, you may ask? This object means that the relationship between you and the other person is shattered, over, the bond has been cut, no turning back, and etc... I think you get the point.

You can accept or give these gifts under one exception, which is that it has to be in the form of a purchase. For example, if your friend has a sword that he wants you have, you can give him one penny for the sword. The reason? When money is involved, it becomes a form of purchase rather than gift giving.

Things you cannot give under any circumstance will mostly be clocks and shoes (including sandals.) The word "Clock" in Chinese sounds likes the word "Funeral." And if you give a person a pair of shoes, sooner or later the two of you will separate.

Hope that you are enjoyed this article. Have a good night, and thank you for stopping by.

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Raphita Tobing