Part VI　Do You Know

★ Gift Giving Etiquette

Unique Gift Giving Traditions Around the World

In Japan

Make sure to wrap your presents well.Flowers with ominous hidden meanings are lotus blossoms.Lilies and carnations are associated with funerals.Obviously,these flowers are to be avoided on special occasions.Failure to bring back an omiyage for your friends and colleagues is considered rude.

In Thailand

Gifts given in sets of 9 will be considered lucky because of the number’s auspicious reputation among the Thai people.It is not polite upon receiving a gift to open it in front of the giver.Instead,it’s customary to thank them outwardly for their generosity before opening the gift in private.

In India

The left hand has a reputation for being unclean.Gifts should never be given with this hand.Odd numbers are lucky,especially numbers ending in 1.Either way,if you’re giving a gift of cash,R501 will be infinitely better received than R500.

In Italy

Don’t even think of gifting your new Italian friends flowers because they won’t be well received—at all! It’s mainly because in Italy flowers are only used during funerals and they are considered bad luck.

In Russia

Yellow tulips are thought to stand for betrayal and the severance of a relationship,and any flowers must be given in uneven numbers,as even numbers are reserved for funerals.

In South Africa

Gift giving in South Africa is a simple affair,usually limited to just birthdays and Christmas.If you’re staying with a South African host,it’s best to buy gifts with a practical purpose,like books,soap or a smart dress or suit to wear to church.

Questions:

1.Do you know the customs and taboos of gift-giving in China?

2.Do you know the customs and taboos of gift-giving in other countries?

3.In Thailand,is it OK to open a gift and comment on it in front of the giver?

4.In which country it is considered impolite not to bring back an omiyage for your friends and colleagues?

5.Is it appropriate to send flowers to a friend in Italy? Why?

单元学习记录表　Study Record

小组学习记录表　Group Study Record

单元学习综合评价表　General Assessment for Each Unit