The Differences of gift中西方送礼差异

The Differences ofgift-giving behaviors Between China and the West As we all know, gift giving takes an important role in every culture. No matter in China or in western countries, people all pay attention to gift giving and gift receiving. There are some differences emphasized in the following contents.

First, in China, people often pay attention to the fift of use value but not the memorable of special value. Therefore, Chinese usually choose something expensive as a gift. On the contray, in the West, people do not give a very expensive gift. They choose something cheap but special as a gift.

Second, as for packaging ofgifts, the Chinese devote particular care to packaging and level. In Western countries, the packaging of gifts are very simple.

Third,the opportune moment of giving gifts is also different . The Chinese people pay great attention to the timeliness of gifts.And we often send out the gifts in advance or just in time. In Western countries, people may send out the gifts at the time you arrive or live.

Forth, in China, people should not appear greedy, so the recipients will re fuse the present when the first offer. And they may open the gifts in private.B ut in Western countries, the host usually open the gifts on the spot to express the l ikeness of the gifts.

Fifth, there are many taboos of gift giving in China and in the West. In China, people should not give clocks as gifts. The word “clock” in Chinese is similar to the word for “death.” It is impolite. And do not wrap gifts in white ,blue or black. Besides, sharp objects such as knives, letter openers or scissors, these too imply the severance of a relationship. In Western countries, people should not give yellow roses, which can signify “jealousy”. And in Italy, never send chrysanthemums, since they suggest death.

In conclusion, before giving a gift to a foreign friend, you’d better make clear about the etiquette to avoid misunderstandings.