Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a time of celebration, tradition, and the exchange of gifts. While giving and receiving gifts is an integral part of this festive season, it’s crucial to be mindful of cultural customs and avoid giving gifts that may be considered inappropriate or unlucky.
In this article, we will explore over 15 items you should never give as Chinese New Year gifts to ensure your well-intentioned gesture brings joy rather than misfortune.
1. Clocks and Watches
In Chinese culture, gifting clocks or watches symbolizes counting down to someone’s death, making it an inauspicious gift for the New Year.
2. Sharp Objects
Items like knives and scissors should be avoided as they represent cutting ties and relationships, which is considered unlucky.
3. Umbrellas
Umbrellas symbolize separation, so giving one as a gift may imply a desire to part ways with the recipient, which is inauspicious during the New Year.
4. Shoes
Shoes are seen as inauspicious because the Mandarin word for shoes, “xié,” sounds like the word for “evil,” potentially bringing negativity to the recipient.
5. Mirrors
Mirrors can symbolize reflecting negative energy or evil intentions back onto the recipient, making them an inappropriate gift during Chinese New Year.
6. Handkerchiefs
Handkerchiefs are associated with sadness and tears, making them an inauspicious gift that suggests a wish for sorrow.
7. White or Black Items
White is connected to funerals and mourning, while black symbolizes death and misfortune, so it’s best to avoid gifting items in these colors.
8. Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums are often used at funerals and associated with death, making them an inappropriate gift for New Year celebrations.
9. Pears
Pears sound like the word for “separation” in Mandarin, so they symbolize parting, and it’s best not to include them in your New Year gift list.
10. Cut Flowers
Cut flowers are associated with short-lived beauty, and it’s better to opt for potted plants or flowers with roots as gifts.
11. Handkerchiefs with Embroidered Names
Embroidering a person’s name on a handkerchief is usually reserved for funerals, so it’s not suitable for New Year gifting.
12. Gifts in Sets of Four
The number four is considered unlucky because it sounds like the word for “death,” so avoid giving gifts in sets of four or featuring this number.
13. Empty Wallets or Purses
Gifts like empty wallets or purses may symbolize a lack of wealth and prosperity in the coming year, so it’s wise to avoid them.
14. Anything in Even Numbers
During New Year celebrations, stick to odd numbers for gifts, as even numbers are associated with balance and stability, typically used at weddings.
15. Gifts Wrapped in White or Black Paper
The color of the gift wrap is significant in Chinese culture. White or black wrapping paper is associated with mourning and death, so opt for more vibrant colors for your gift presentation.
Conclusion
Chinese New Year is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. When giving gifts during this auspicious season, it’s important to be mindful of the symbolism and cultural significance behind each item. By avoiding the items mentioned above, you can ensure that your gifts bring happiness, good fortune, and positive energy to the recipients as you participate in this cherished tradition.
Culture to Know 