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Celebrating Chinese New Year with Chinese friends can be great, but, when the cultural gap is large, it can be really easy to give the wrong gift for Chinese New Year. Here, we've summarized 15 things you should not give as a Chinese New Year gift and their negative meanings in Chinese culture. This year, Chinese New Year begins on Wednesday, January 29. Those who celebrate will be entering the year of the snake. Just like with any holiday, traditions abound for Chinese New Year. Some of Find out the top 18 things you should not do. Some are taboos on the first day of the Chinese New Year and some are superstitions for the whole New Year Festival season (from the 1st to 15th of the Lunar New Year). 1. Avoid taking medicine. Chinese New Year is a time for giving; whether in the form of the popular, traditional red packet filled with money (红包 hóngbāo); or in the form of other, material goods. But beware, even the most generous offering can be tainted if you show bad etiquette when giving a gift. Here are six simple rules of Chinese New Year gift giving etiquette. Here list the most commonly seen 10 things that should not be chosen as Chinese New Year gifts, and some highly possible gift giving mistakes as reminders. Sharp objects like knifes, swords, and scissors should be avoided, for they suggest a relationship to be cut off. Knowing Chinese New Year gift giving etiquette, it is not wise to give presents to a special person at a public occasion, where other attendees may feel disdained and ignored. Nevertheless, it is acceptable in a birthday party or a wedding ceremony. Follow this guide to know about what you should avoid to give as Chinese New Year gifts. The word “clock” (钟 Zhōng) and “end” (终 Zhōng) are homophones. In Chinese, “giving clocks as gifts” (送钟Sòngzhōng) sounds the same to “attending a funeral” (送终Sòngzhōng). Never buy clocks or watches as Chinese New Year gifts, especially for seniors. Chinese New Year is a time of celebration and giving. More likely than not, you’ll be giving out some gifts here and there. But even with gifts, there’s some etiquette you need to take note of, especially during the Lunar New Year. Always keep in mind that colour has large significance in the Chinese culture. To help you know what customs and rules to follow, here are the top 10 taboos to avoid during the Chinese New Year. Follow these and fortune will smile on you. 1. Do not say negative words. All words with negative connotations are forbidden! These include: death, sick, empty, pain, ghost, poor, break, kill and more. While they may seem like a sweet and juicy treat, pears are a no-go during Chinese New Year. In Chinese, the word for "pear" (梨, lí) sounds like the word for "parting" (离, lí). Gifting pears can symbolise separation or farewells — definitely not the vibe you want to bring to the party. Here’s a fun list of dos and don’ts so you can enjoy the Year of the Ox in the proper manner. Leave your hair as it is on the first day of the New Year. The Chinese character for hair is Taking naps, especially on the first day of the Chinese New Year, represents laziness. In Chinese culture, taking naps on the first day of the new year will affect your luck and career for the rest of the year. 9. Avoid breaking things in your home Chinese New Year is a red envelope season. But red envelopes are not limited to Chinese New Year. It is common to give a red envelope during many other occasions, such as a wedding, graduation, the birth of a baby, or a senior person's birthday, and even funerals. It is a traditional way to wish good luck and share blessings. 15 Gifts You Should Never Give as Chinese New Year Gifts Clocks or Watch — Bad Luck. Anything of ‘4’ — Sounds Like Death. Shoes — Evil. Mirrors — Attract Ghosts. Cut Flowers — Presents for Funerals. Scented Candles — for Venerating the Dead. Pears — Parting. Sharp Objects — Cut Off Relationship. What gifts Read More »What Can You Not Give As A Chinese Gift? If your paternal grandfather passed away, you can visit your father-side cousins, but not your mother-side cousins). You should not attend any joyous event until the mourning period is over. This includes baby's first month and weddings. You cannot give red packets. You can recieve red packets, however. Can you celebrate Chinese New Year if you are not Chinese? Though many people from many backgrounds take part in Lunar New Year festivities, I believe it is cultural appropriation for those who aren't of Asian ancestry to celebrate the holiday by participating in traditional activities, such as handing out red envelopes, hanging red lanterns in their homes for good luck, or 1. Red Envelops/Packets. If your Chinese hosts have children, do not forget to prepare some red envelopes (hongbao) with suitable amounts of new bills in.This is the easy and traditional go-to Chinese gift for kids that fits all circumstances. Food Gifts For Chinese New Year Gifts. Food is central in New Year celebrations, with each region offering unique dishes and treats. If you are not exactly sure which Chinese New Year gifts to buy, here are a few tasty Chinese New Year food ideas for you to enjoy during this time. Nian Gao (Sticky Rice Cake) What should you not do on Chinese New Year? 11 Things NOT to Do on Chinese New Year. Doing house chores. Washing and cutting hair. Using sharp utensils. Wearing black or white clothes. Lending money. Crying. Breaking stuff in your house. Saying bad words and cursing. What is the good luck color for 2022? Pre-Chinese New Year Preparations and Activities (Jan. 7–Feb. 12, 2025) Jan. 7, 2025: Laba Festival. Some Chinese start to celebrate and prepare for Chinese New Year as early as day 8 of the 12 th month of the lunar calendar.
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