Gift-Giving Customs in Different Countries

The act of gift-giving has been a longstanding tradition intertwined with humanity, often occurring on various significant occasions. However, did you know that in each country, there are unique cultural norms and practices when it comes to presenting gifts? The origins and destinations of these customs are fascinating and diverse in each place.

LoveYouFlower™ is pleased to present stories of goodwill conveyed through gift-giving customs in each country for you to enjoy. For those interested in giving gifts to international friends, give it a read. You might find inspiration on how to choose gifts that leave a lasting impression.

Let's take a look at how each country has its own customs and traditions when it comes to gift-giving.

China

China, with its rich and ancient culture, also has interesting gift-giving customs. The act of presenting gifts in this country depends on the occasion and the relationship. When visiting someone's home, it's thoughtful to bring gifts such as a bouquet of flowers, a basket of fruits, or locally made products. These small gestures leave a great impression and contribute to the warmth of the visit, especially when given to the host's wife.

As for the quantity of gifts, the Chinese believe that good things come in pairs. Therefore, regardless of the occasion, it is customary for the items to be presented in pairs. However, there is an exception for the Cantonese-speaking Chinese, who avoid the number 4 because it sounds similar to the word 'death' in their language. So, when giving gifts to someone who is Cantonese, it's advisable to avoid the number 4 to ensure the gifts are received positively

In addition to quantity, color is also a crucial consideration for the Chinese. During festivals or significant events, places are adorned with the color red because it is believed to be the color of prosperity. When choosing boxes or paper for wrapping gifts, it is recommended to use red. If you want variety, you can also incorporate silver, gold, or pink. However, colors to avoid are dark tones like blue and black. Another unexpected color to avoid is white. While many might associate white with cleanliness and purity, for the Chinese, it symbolizes mourning, sorrow, and even resentment. So, when buying gifts for people of Chinese descent, it's advisable to be mindful of these color choices.

Japan

Japan is renowned for its fusion of old and new cultural elements. Despite being at the forefront of technology, the Japanese continue to uphold traditions dating back to ancient times. Additionally, they have adopted new customs to accommodate the influence of Western culture. For example, on Valentine's Day, Japanese women often give two types of chocolates: Honmei Choco (本命チョコ), a high-quality chocolate used to express romantic feelings, often beautifully packaged and may be expensive; and Giri Choco (義理チョコ), a more casual chocolate given to friends, colleagues, or acquaintances. A month later, on White Day (March 14th), men reciprocate by giving gifts, usually white chocolates, to the women who gave them chocolates on Valentine's Day. This reciprocal exchange creates a unique and romantic tradition in Japan. If a woman decides to give chocolates to a Japanese man, it might involve a thoughtful investment. However, choosing high-quality premium chocolates or those with exquisite flavors could still leave a lasting impression without the complexity of making them from scratch.

As for giving gifts to patients, the Japanese often prefer to offer flowers, which is a popular practice in Japan. However, there are considerations when choosing flowers, as some may be deemed unsuitable for patients. For instance, flowers with strong scents or vivid colors, such as chrysanthemums, are generally avoided. Additionally, it's important to be mindful of the quantity of flowers, avoiding numbers like 4, 9, and 13, as these are considered unlucky in Japanese culture, believed to bring misfortune. Therefore, when presenting flowers to patients in Japan, it's advisable to choose varieties that are gentle in fragrance, color, and avoid unlucky numbers to convey well-wishes appropriately.

South Korea

It cannot be denied that in the past decade, the K-Pop trend or the influence of Korean pop culture has made a significant impact on various aspects of Thailand, including series, music, and movies. Equally undeniable is the fact that Korean idols have captured the hearts of Thai fans, creating a desire among them to visit Korea in search of love. While we may be familiar with Korean customs and culture through media, such as clothing, hairstyles, and cuisine, do you know about the gift-giving customs of the Korean people? If not, let's explore them together.

When visiting relatives, Koreans often bring gifts, which are usually attached to their hands. These gifts can be handmade crafts, local produce, cakes, chocolates, flowers, or imported coffee. After receiving the gift, the recipient is expected to reciprocate in the future. Therefore, the giver must carefully consider the status and ability of the recipient. If the gift is too expensive and the recipient cannot afford a similar one in return, it may lead to losing face.

France

Now, let's explore the romantic side of France, the land of perfumes. When talking about this country, in addition to fragrances, many people might think of exquisite wines and a classic atmosphere reminiscent of the 50s-60s era. The culture of this country is almost impeccable, and popular gifts when visiting French homes include beautiful flowers, premium chocolates, cheese, wine, or liqueurs with natural flavors. After visiting and sharing a dinner with the hosts, guests should bring a bouquet of flowers or a basket of fruits along with a note expressing gratitude on the next day. When it comes to choosing gifts, the French are not too concerned about the price; as long as it pleases the recipient, it is sufficient.

Although giving gifts in France may not seem complicated or intricate, there are still a few small considerations to keep in mind. For example, when presenting flowers, it's advisable not to choose chrysanthemums or lilies, as these flowers are typically associated with funerals. Additionally, presenting red carnations can signify ill intentions or lack of goodwill from the giver. It's better to opt for roses, hydrangeas, or other beautiful flowers to avoid any unintended connotations.

England

Most Britons love socializing as a significant aspect of their lifestyle. Whenever there is a celebration, alcoholic beverages become an essential component that cannot be overlooked. Socializing, especially on birthdays outside the home, often involves heading to local pubs. Therefore, if you are invited to join such an occasion, simply bringing a set of drinks for the birthday person would be greatly appreciated. Alternatively, if you are invited to someone's home, consider bringing a gift that pairs well with the occasion, such as a box of chocolates, a bottle of wine, or a bouquet of flowers. While gifting champagne for celebrations is a good option, it's advisable to choose beverages based on the recipient's personal preferences. Cheers!

However, the gift-giving traditions of different countries presented by LoveYouFlower are just small glimpses. Customs and beliefs may change with the times. Some recipients may not be too concerned about the nature or value of the gifts they receive. As long as the gift is suitable for giving, it should be sufficient. The origins and stories behind these traditions are interesting, providing insights into the cultural differences of customs in each country, along with the beliefs within their societies.

Thank you for the information from
https://www.giftypedia.com/International_Gift_Customs
https://www.tcbl-thai.net/index.php?lay=show&ac=article&Id=538819966
https://dichan.mthai.com/story/3326.html