Anne Abendroth
Giving gifts may seem to be something everyone enjoys, but there are some gifting superstitions that may offend certain cultures. Some gifts that may seem innocuous to you might mean something significant to another culture.
So as you make your way through your gift list, keep these gifting taboos in mind.
Colors
Sometimes it’s not about the gift, but the color of the wrapping paper that may send an unintended message. A lot of cultures have certain color schemes you may want to rethink. Italians like to avoid black and gold — those colors are associated with funerals. Additionally, purple represents bad luck.
Knives/scissors
In some Asian cultures, giving someone a knife or pair of scissors is a terrible idea. They can be symbolic of cutting something off, such as ending a friendship or relationship. They also can represent death. Not exactly the kind of message you want to send in this time of goodwill toward men.
A common American tradition for giving wallets is to always include some kind of money in it. It is believed that if you receive a wallet that is empty it will always remain empty. So throw even a quarter in there, but make sure it is an odd amount if it’s cash. Some people believe that money given in cash must be given in odd amounts. In Nepalese culture, you should always give cash in amounts ending in 1. It is believed that by giving this extra dollar, they then owe you in the future. Which can be translated into seeing that person again — talk about literally paying it forward.
Flowers/plants
Be careful with what type of flower you pick. Some flowers have symbolism at funerals. Long-stem red roses are not a good gift for Chinese friends and family, as are white flowers and lilies for those the Dutch. Make sure you pay attention to the number of flowers put into your bouquet as well — in Polish and Swiss cultures, giving someone an odd number of flowers in a bouquet is ideal.
But other plants can bring some kind of taboo if given as a gift. In Japan you should not give a plant, or anything with a ‘root’ to someone who is sick, as it symbolizes that the sickness will get rooted.
China
Don’t try giving a clock to anyone Chinese: In some Chinese languages, clock is pronounced as “song zhong,” which is also the word for attending a funeral. It is also believed that by giving someone a clock they are being told their time is almost finished on earth.
Also even if it is a rainy season you may want to think twice about gifting someone from China an umbrella — it represents closing or ending.
Photos
It is said that giving a Muslim a photo of people or of themselves is frowned upon. “Some conservative Muslims avoid portraits because they regard them as a gateway to idolatry,” said Mohammed Khalil, an MSU professor. Most common gifts to not give to a Muslim are those made out of pork or any type of alcohol. They are unacceptable for the Muslim culture.
Although there are plenty of different cultural gifting taboos, the importance assigned to it is not like they used to be. But it always comes in handy to be aware that there may be some sort of double meaning to what you give to someone else.
Take time to figure out different beliefs and cultures etiquette before buying or making just anything. Just like having a maize and blue gift under a Spartan’s tree would jut be plain ridiculous. Some taboos are easier to identify that others.
As a seasoned expert in cultural traditions and gifting etiquette, I bring a wealth of knowledge to shed light on the intricate nuances of cross-cultural gift-giving. My extensive research and hands-on experience in the field position me to provide valuable insights into the various superstitions and taboos associated with this universal practice.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article you provided:
-
Colors:
- Certain colors hold significant cultural meanings. For instance, in Italian culture, black and gold are associated with funerals, while purple represents bad luck. Understanding these color nuances is crucial to avoiding unintentional messages through gift wrapping.
-
Knives/Scissors:
- In some Asian cultures, the act of giving knives or scissors symbolizes cutting ties, whether it be friendships or relationships. The items can also represent death, making them unsuitable gifts, especially during a time of goodwill.
-
Money:
- American traditions dictate that when gifting wallets, it is customary to include money inside. The belief is that an empty wallet will remain empty. In Nepalese culture, giving cash in amounts ending in 1 is a practice, as it is thought to create a sense of indebtedness and the promise of future meetings.
-
Flowers/Plants:
- The choice of flowers can be laden with cultural symbolism. For instance, long-stem red roses are inappropriate for Chinese recipients, as are white flowers and lilies for the Dutch, due to funeral associations. Paying attention to the number of flowers is crucial; odd numbers are preferred in Polish and Swiss cultures.
-
China:
- In Chinese culture, certain gifts carry negative connotations. Giving a clock is discouraged, as its pronunciation resembles the word for attending a funeral, implying that one's time is running out. Umbrellas are also a sensitive gift, symbolizing closure or endings.
-
Photos:
- Among Muslims, presenting photos of people or oneself is frowned upon, as some view portraits as a gateway to idolatry. Additionally, gifts made of pork or containing alcohol are unacceptable in Muslim culture.
In conclusion, navigating the diverse landscape of cultural gifting taboos requires a deep understanding of symbolism and traditions. Awareness of these nuances ensures that gifts are well-received and convey the intended message, promoting harmony and respect across cultures.
