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Gift Giving in China Essay Example

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China, Gift

Pages: 4 (870 words)
Published: March 21, 2017
Type: Essay

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Gift Etiquette

Gift giving is a time-honored way of expressing gratitude or appreciation to others and gifts are important part of the Chinese culture. Gift giving is a time-honored way of expressing gratitude or appreciation to others. It is important to know gifts are important part of the Chinese culture. For example, the Chinese would much rather reciprocate a gift with another gift than to send a ‘thank you’ card. When visiting someone in China, especially if you are a guest in their house, it is imperative that you bring a gift (whatever the monetary value) to show respect to the host.If is appropriate to bring a gift, particularly something representative of your town or region, to a business meeting or social event.

Gifts indicate that you are interested in building a relationship, Understanding gift giving and the etiquette surrounding it c

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an help international business people cement better relationships with foreign colleagues, clients or customers. General guidelines about giving gifts in china:

Lavish gift giving was an important part of Chinese culture in the past. Today, official policy in Chinese business culture forbids giving gifts; this gesture is considered bribery, an illegal act in this country. Consequently, your gift may be declined. In many organizations, however, attitudes surrounding gifts are beginning to relax. In any case, you will have to approach giving gifts with discretion, such as, If you wish to give a gift to an individual, you must do it privately, in the context of friendship, not business
The Chinese will decline a gift two or three times (sometimes even more) before accepting. If you’re the giver, offer again until it is accepted after the thir

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time. At the same time, especially in business, your gift may be absolutely refused, so you should be sensitive to genuine refusals.

Chinese are fond of items that are not accessible in China. For example, items that are hand-made, from your country, or both, are highly valued.

Don't be offended if the person does not open the gift in front of you. Chinese people do not usually open a gift in front of the giver. It might embarrass them. They will open it later, then call or write to thank the person for the gift.

In business, show sensitivity to people's status. Give the same type of gift to people at the same level. Or present a gift to a company or organization instead of one person. Giving a gift only to an individual is not acceptable unless it is being given in private as a gesture of friendship. Be sure the value of the gift is not extravagant. Do not get anything that is obviously expensive, so that the company will not feel obliged to reciprocate. If negotiations are involved, gifts should be presented once they are finished.

When giving a gift, hand the gift to the person with both hands.The gift is considered an extension of the person and handing it over with both hands is a sign of respect.

When receiving a gift, also accept it with both hands and say thank you. http://www. minnesota-china.com/Education/emEcon/GiftEtiquette.

Chinese gifts can be wrapped with wrapping paper and bows, just like gifts in the West. However,colors have so many different meanings in china, Red is lucky. Pink and yellow symbolize happiness. Gold is for fortune and wealth.

So wrapping paper, ribbon and bows in these colors are best.

Eight is considered one of the luckiest numbers in Chinese culture. If you receive eight of any item, consider it a gesture of good will. Six is considered a blessing for smoothness and problem free advance

For business relations, foreign cigarettes, cognac, fine whiskey, and quality wines are great gift ideas.

Gifts of food are acceptable, but not at dinner parties or other occasions where appetizers and meals will be served. Candy and fruit baskets, however, are acceptable as thank-you gifts sent after these events.

Acceptable gifts for a company include items from your country or city, such as handicrafts, or an illustrated book.

Be sure to bring a supply of these items with you, so that you can reciprocate if it happens that you are presented with a gift http://www. 1worldglobalgifts. com/chinagiftgivingetiquette.

The colours blue, black and white are also associated with funerals and therefore should be avoided, so never use these colour to wrap gifts.
Never give a clock, handkerchief, umbrella or white flowers, specifically chrysanthemums, as a gift, as all of these signify tears and/or death. especially with older people who are more aware of this tradition.
Never give sharp objects such as knives or scissors that’s sharp, they would signify the cutting of a relationship.
Gifts should also be given in pairs and not odd numbers as even numbers signify good luck whereas odd numbers imply loneliness or separation. And o anything in sets of four (four is an unlucky number as it sounds like “death”).
If you include a greeting card or gift tag, do not write in red ink

as this signifies death. Never write a Chinese person’s name in red ink as this is considered bad luck. http://www. 1worldglobalgifts.com/chinagiftgivingetiquette. htm

Gift Giving in China Essay Example

Gift Etiquette

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