QUESTION:
What
gift should you refrain from giving
an older Chinese person?
A.
Cigarettes
B.
Cakes
C.
Large Clock
D.
Clothing
E.
Money
ANSWER:
A.
If you said "A" you're
smoking the wrong pipe! As China
has the largest cigarette consumption
in the world this could be one of
the best gifts to give.
B.
The Chinese love food and cakes
are associated with birthdays and
family being together. Best of all,
you get to share the food that you
take! Remember to watch your waistline
though.
C.
You're correct. Many elderly
Chinese believe that large clocks,
especially ones that chime, mean
that they will be going to Heaven
soon. Best to avoid this one.
D.
Chinese take great pride in their
clothing--especially world famous
brand names. Clothes make a great
gift to anyone in China and warm
clothes make the winter a little
easier.
E.
Money. The western dislike of giving
money directly is not shared by
Chinese who give each other money
at birthdays, weddings, Spring Festival
and when they return to their hometowns.
50 or 100 RMB is usually enough
and is usually placed inside a small
red envelope before giving.
