Chinese Cultural Faux Pas: Gifts You Should Not Give

Do you want your gifts to be accepted with an exuberant hug or an awkward smile? You know the look: the wrinkling of the nose, the Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½oh well, they didn’t know any better’ chuckle? When your gift touches on a cultural faux pas, you can’t take it back. So the following are just a few observances to keep in mind when selecting a gift for a Chinese recipient.

There are always exceptions to theses rules, maybe your friend is an avid clock collector, or is a hatless fan of the Green Bay Packers. The younger generations are also less sensitive to these rules; however, some of these old school ways are so heavily ingrained in the culture that they are unconsciously observed. Either way, these are traditional rules of thumb that you should follow if the opportunity should arise.

Traditionally Bad Chinese Gifts

1. White Hair Accessories or Pins: Often a white accessory is worn in the hair or pined on a shirt to express the death of a loved one.
2. Green Hats: This is especially true for men. It’s derived from a saying in Chinese. A man who wears a green hat is one who is being cuckolded.
3. Clocks: In Chinese, to send a clock as a gift is phonetically similar to GOING TO A FUNDERAL.
4. Umbrellas: A homophonic taboo that is especially applicable to couples. An umbrella is phonetically similar to the word SEPARATE.
5. Pears: Also especially applicable to couples, a pear is a homophonic word for LEAVE.
6. Rooms or apartments on fourth floors: For those extravagant gifts involving travel, stay away from fourth floor reservations. It is phonetically similar to DEATH.
7. Books: This is applicable to circumstances where the recipient would be gambling in the near future. It is yet another homophonic taboo. The word for book is phonetically similar to LOSE.
8. Chrysanthemum/daisy: Often used in funerals, especially in Taiwan.
9. White flowers: Also funeral flowers, and also similar to number 1.
10. Tans: Being pale is very in; a tanning certificate or gift basket would most likely be gathering dust.

Of course there are always the personal hang-ups when it comes to gift giving. Their ex-boyfriend worked at a bar? Might want to stay away from the tequila set.

When it comes to gift giving, of course it’s the thought that counts. But it doesn’t hurt to research a little so both your thought and your gifts are appreciated. Good luck!