Chinese New Year celebration is one of the biggest festive, celebrated here in Malaysia. Not only individuals, or companies but even shopping malls can be seen decorating their interior with Chinese New Year decorations.
However, many might not be aware of the things that are considered taboo in Chinese culture. Here, I have listed up to 10 things that you shouldn't send as a gift for Chinese New Year to any of your friends, family or clients.
1. Shoes
You might be tempted to buy your best friend her favourite shoes, but don't! Shoes are a bad idea to be given as a gift for Chinese New Year as the word "shoes" (鞋 xié /syeah/) sounds exactly like (邪 xié) which is a word for bad luck or "evil". The Chinese believe that it is not a good gift as shoes are something that you step on.
2. Mirrors
Mirrors are believed to attract ghosts. On top of that, there are easily broken and breaking things is a bad omen to the Chinese culture.
3. Sharp Objects
There is a common Chinese saying that goes "one slash and it's in two parts" which means the end of a relationship between people. Therefore, giving somebody a sharp object often meaning that you want to cut off your relationship with them.
4. The Number 4
The number "four" (四 sì /srr/) in Chines on the other hand sounds similar to the word "death" (死 sǐ). Thus, anything related to number 4 is considered unlucky - for example, do not give gifts in sets of four. This is the same reasons why you can never find floor 4 or 14 in most buildings, for example, my condo unit is on level 13A instead.
5. Clocks
In Chinese, the phrase "giving a clock" (送钟 sòng zhōng /song jong/) have the same sound as the words for "attending a funeral ritual" (送终 sòng zhōng). Therefore, it is bad luck to give clocks or watches as a gift. Apart from that, they also symbolize the running out of time. The act of giving a clock or watch as a gift to seniors especially is a big NO, NO!
6. Handkerchiefs
Handkerchiefs are generally given at the end of a funeral and are a symbol of saying goodbye forever. So giving someone handkerchiefs is like saying goodbye to them.
7. Umbrellas
Umbrellas may be useful during rainy seasons, however in the Chinese culture giving them out is a bad idea. The Chinese word for "umbrella" (伞 sǎn /san/) sound similar to the word for "breaking up" (散 sàn). If you give out an umbrella as a present, it is a sign that you feel your relationship with them has fallen apart.
8. Cut Flowers
Cut flowers generally present for funerals, so it is best not to give them our on Chinese New Year. Especially the Yellow Chrysanthemums and any white flowers, which represent death. Avoid white flowers too, as it is an unlucky (funeral) colour in the Chinese culture.
9. Pears
Pears are taboo in the Chinese culture because the word for "pears" (梨 lí /lee/) sounds similar to the word for leaving or "parting" (离 lí). However, giving other fruits is a good option, nevertheless.
10. Black or White Objects
Black and White are important colours in funerals, hence make sure you do not give out any presents that are made out of mostly just black and white colours. Instead, the auspicious colour for the Chinese New Year is Red. So it is always a great option for any gifts.
As Chinese New Year is just around the corner, I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone who is celebrating it a Happy Chinese New Year and may the Year of Ox bring you joy, love and peace. While you are here if you love 🍕 I'm sure that you will enjoy this Pizza Puns!
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