It’s the Thought That Counts

Gift giving is a gesture of respecting ethnic cultures.

Several things that are known as taboo in the Chinese culture as they symbolise different forms of bad luck and giving your Chinese friend one of these gifts could only mean…

…Especially if you’re a Chinese yourself!

Here are some important meanings behind these taboo gifts to avoid landing yourselves into a culture gaffe!

Clocks – Many of you would have known that one must never give a clock to someone; unless you really had ill intentions. Yes, even Cartier watches and clocks should be avoided as gifts because the pronunciation of the word “giving a clock” 送钟 (sòng zhōng) is the same as 送终, which means a funeral ritual. Also, it can mean literally “giving time” to the receiver and counting down to his death.

Shoes – There are many interpretations for this. Some say giving shoes means ridding your bad luck to the receiver, while others think that it means cursing the relationship with the receiver. Also, like many other gift taboos, the similar pronunciation to the Chinese word for shoes (鞋 xié) sounds the same as 邪 which means evil – imagine giving to your friend the very roots of evil as a gift!

Umbrella – Although this seems like a practical gift especially useful for the rainy days, it could mean the last umbrella you’re giving to your friend. Why? Because the Chinese word for umbrella, 伞, sounds the same as the word散(sǎn or sàn) which means to scatter or to go separate ways respectively. If you’re dating, never give an umbrella as a gift!

Books – Just like the objects above, book in Chinese 书 sounds the same as 输(shū) which means to lose or to be defeated. This is so unbelievable we are stunned too!

Mirrors – Chinese superstitions have it that a broken mirror is a bad omen and can bring 7 years of bad luck. Also, mirrors are known to attract malevolent ghosts. Surely you don’t want to be the cause of it!

Green hats – There’s a phrase in Chinese called 戴绿帽(dài lǜ mào) which means wearing green hat literally that is used for describing men who have been made a cuckold.

Handkerchiefs / hand towels – These are usually given out at the end of a funeral, that symbolises bidding your last farewell to the deceased.

Chrysanthemum – Apart from making tea, the chrysanthemum flower is used as offerings at funerals or when visiting graves. Never give the flower to a living person.

Empty purse / wallet – Giving an empty wallet can be seen as presenting bad luck to the receiver, as it can mean the receiver’s wallet will never come across good fortune. Therefore, if you’re intending to give a wallet as a gift, we suggest putting some small change in the wallet!

The majority of Chinese tend to be superstitious, therefore giving them the right gift and knowing what’s taboo and what’s not could literally mean life or death to your receiver!

Image sources: Tumblr

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