Chinese Cultural Know-How

As promised here is the 3rd installment of information on Chinese Cultural know-how:

GIFTS:

• Gifts are traditionally given in China at New Year, weddings, births and birthdays.

• The way a gift is wrapped is almost as important as the gift itself. Gold and red are excellent choices. Avoid black, white or blue, as these symbolise funerals.

• Offer gifts with both hands. Don’t open gifts that you are given when you are still with the giver. You may refuse a gift three times before you accept it.

• In Chinese and other East Asian societies, a red envelope or red packet (known as Hóng Bāo in Mandarin and Lai See in Cantonese) is a monetary gift which is given during holidays or special occasions.

• Red envelopes are mainly presented at social and family gatherings such as weddings or on holidays such as the Lunar New Year. The red color of the envelope symbolizes good luck and is supposed to ward off evil spirits. A married person would not turn down such a request as it would mean that he or she would be "out of luck" in the New Year. In keeping with Chinese customs, newly wedded couples are also usually expected to be extremely generous with the amount offered in the red packets, so as to receive blessings for a blissful marriage.

• The amount of money contained in the envelope usually ends with an even digit, in accordance with Chinese beliefs; for instance 88 and 168 are both lucky numbers, as odd-numbered money gifts are traditionally associated with funerals. But there is a widespread tradition that money should not be given in fours, or the number four should not appear in the amount, such as 40, 400 and 444 as the pronunciation of the word "four" resembles that of the word "death", and it signifies bad luck for many Chinese. At weddings, the amount offered is usually intended to cover the cost of the attendees as well as a goodwill to the newlyweds. It is considered extremely rude to give a low amount of money on such an occasion.

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