中西文化差异之送礼文化差异

China’s Custom of Gift-Giving

Choose a gift

As for Chinese, we often pay attention to the gift of use value but not the memorable or special meaning. Therefore, Chinese usually choose something expensive as a gift .W hat’s more the more expensive the gift is ,the closer the relationship between the giver and the receiver is. The gift is offered using both hands and must be gift-wrapped. In Chinese New Year, money will be given in a red envelope. It is usually using an even number of new bills.

Taboos in China

Do not give clock as gifts. The world for “clock”Chinese is similar to the word for death ,it is impolite.

Color such as white, blue or black are associated with funerals. Do not wrap gives in these colors. Red, yellow and pink are same as joyful colors ,which are more acceptable for gift wrap.

Gift receiving

Chinese tradition dictates that a person should not appear greedy ,so the recipient will refuse the present when the first offer.

The giver should politely continue to offer the gift until the opposite side accept it .

If the recipient did not open your gift, it does not mean that he or her is not interested in it. We always open the gift after the giver has left .No matter whether we like it or not, we always say “I like it very much”.

Sharp objects are not suitable such as knives ,letter openers or scissors which imply the

severance of a relationship.

Do not brag about your git in front of the recipient.

Western Custom of Gift-Giving

In America

Small gifts such as pens, business diaries, and mementos with company logos are usually sufficient.

In America, lavish(浪费的) extravagant gifts are definitely out. An appropriate alternative to a gift is to take the deserving person to dinner, or to an entertainment or sporting event. When visiting the home, it is normally appropriate to present a gift to the hostess.

A gift can be something small but elaborate (精心制作的) for a person with whom you are close.

Gift are normally opened when received.

In Australia

Australia is known for its friendly informality and lack of present. So modest gifts, such as a business diary, a paperweight, or a coffee cup might be presented as a memento of a visit of business meeting. At a trade show, T-shirts, ties, baseball caps, or a pin may be appropriate、mementos. Anything more than these types of gifts could cause embarrassment.

In Germany

Social gift giving is popular and well-established in Germany but has certain do's and don'ts.

Flowers are often taken to a hostess of a dinner party at her home, but there are three taboos to remember: First, red roses signify a romantic interest; Second, dan even number of flowers signifies bad luck, as does the number thirteen, and Last, always unwrap the flowers before presenting them.

When visiting a German home, gifts that reflect your home country are popular, and you might want to bring small gifts for the children of the family you are visiting.

Gifts are customarily wrapped and many Germans spend considerable time designing elegant wrappings, Most shops offer gift-wrapping services, too.

In ltaly

When you are invited to a person's home for dinner, it might be nice to bring flowers or a box of chocolates for your hostess, although it is just as considerate to have the flowers sent the next day.

Yellow roses can signifty "jealousy". And in Italy never send chrysanthemums(菊花), because they suggest death.