Gifting Customs
When people give gifts to each other in the U.S., there is usually some sort of exchange that is almost transactional and emphasizes expression of gratitude. The presentation of gifts plays a big role in the American gift giving process. With the holidays coming up, let's explore the different Asian cultures' gift giving customs and etiquette. -Louise, Writer & Editor
China & Taiwan
In Chinese culture, there are 3 major gift-giving holidays: birthdays, Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn festival. During Chinese New Year, cash is customarily given to children in a red envelope. When gifting, specialty gifts/souvenirs such as local jams or snacks from your hometown are a good idea. However, there are certain gifts to stay away from, as the Chinese words for them are homophones for misfortunes you would not want to "gift":
shoes (鞋 -> 邪 xié; "evil")
umbrellas (伞 -> 散 sǎn; "to part ways")
clocks (送钟 -> 送终 sòng zhōng; "to attend a funeral")
pears (分梨 -> 分离 fēn lí; "to separate")
It is also important to avoid giving gifts in sets of four as the Chinese word for "four" sounds like the word for "death." On the other hand, gifts in pairs or eights indicate good fortune. When it comes to color, gifts bearing the color red also indicate good luck. Avoid any white flowers, as those are reserved for funerals. When receiving a gift, make sure to receive it with both hands, and open the gift when the giver is not present. Remember to express appreciation and reciprocity.
Korea
Korea shares similar customs to China, especially with regards to etiquette. With specific gifts, there are differences. Shoes are taboo, as they are a symbol of "running away". Giving a handkerchief is also taboo as it is considered a way of saying goodbye. Wallets are a symbol of fortune and are seen as good luck. Laundry detergent, interestingly, symbolizes good luck due to the bubbles. An interesting story: if you're shopping for your parents, you might consider red underwear! There is a saying that you should get a pair of red underwear for your parents after receiving your first paycheck. This stems from when long underwear was common before floor heating--red underwear was the most expensive option.
Japan
In Japanese culture, the act of gifting emphasizes thoughtfulness and presentation is deeply valued. Recipients of gifts show their appreciation through reciprocating the efforts with their giver by giving a thank you gift called an O-kaeshi. There are two major gift-giving holidays: Ochugen (2 weeks before Obon), where gifts are given as to express gratitude, and Oseibo (Dec. 20), where gifts are given to those one is "indebted to". For weddings, gifting money is appropriate, so long as it is given in an odd number, as even numbers imply that the couple may split it evenly. During Valentine's Day, the woman customarily gives chocolates to the man she is interested in--this is reciprocated on March 14, "The White Day", when the man returns with more expensive chocolates as a gift. Things to avoid when gifting: white flowers of any kind as they are associated with funerals and death, or anything in sets of 4, 9 or 13, as these numbers are associated with bad luck. Etiquette for reception is similar as above, but something unique to Japanese culture is that the presentation of the gift is almost as important as, if not more, than the gift itself.
India
Gifts are often given during significant life events. It is usually customary to give cash to celebrate one's major life events. For gift-wrapping, yellow, red and green are used since they are viewed as lucky colors. Similar to other Asian cultures, white flowers must be avoided due to their association with death, and gifts must not be immediately opened in front of the giver. It is considered good etiquette to receive a gift with both hands or with the right hand only.
Philippines
In Filipino culture, they will often put thought into their gifts and will give sentimental, thoughtful, and/or practical gifts as well as effort into the presentation. It is also usually customary that when you are visiting someone's home to give a gift upon arriving. After visiting, it is also expected to write a thank you note or give a thank you gift. Since Christmas is a major Christian holiday, it is also viewed as an important gifting holiday for many Filipinos.
Check out our latest issue for inspiration on gifts to give during the holidays and discover ways to give back to our community, loved ones, and ourselves!
