Come check out our very own Richard Ren’s article on Gift-Giving Advice in China! Now we present to you, in collaboration with giftbasketoverseas.com, their very detailed info-graphic! Gifts are such a large part of the Chinese culture. Read below to make sure you are aware of certain things before participating in the gift-giving tradition.
Thanks so much for presenting this to us, Richard. I think that a part of traveling to new countries and exploring different culture, is also providing gifts and learning about some unique styles within specific culture. Before reading this article, I was not so aware of the different components that went into gift-giving in China; I could have certainly used this when I went to China in October. Something I found especially interesting was the fact that the color of the gift and the gift wrapping is just as important as the physical gift itself. I find it quite interesting how based on the colors that one may present to the person they are providing a gift to, the gift receiver might develop a different vibe from the gift. Such as the use of green, meaning peace, health, and prosperity. A person receiving a gift with these colors may expect something geared toward longevity and health, whereas a person receiving a gift that is wrapped in orange might expect something that might change their life or point of view.
As a Chinese, I’ve always found it quite odd how the Chinese exchange gifts. Now I know why, and the detailed traditions. For example, I’ve always known red represents luck, but it’s interesting that every other color represents something too! For example, orange represents spontaneity and change while white represents mourning and death. In America, Black represents mourning and death! 3 symbolizes growth, 4 symbolizes death (because the pronunciation of four, “si”, sounds like death), 8 symbolizes wealth and prosperity, 9 symbolizes longevity and 10 symbolizes unlucky. Thanks for sharing the article!
Thanks for the heads up! I wouldn’t want to give somebody a green hat. The animals mean more than I thought. This is probably why fish is eaten at a lot of Chinese parties. I will take your article into consideration before giving someone a gift
I love the collaborated image you’ve displayed, Wesley! It’s clear and informative! Growing up in a Chinese American household, I remember picking out gifts for my grandmother only for my father to say “No, that color symbolized bad luck.” Thanks to your article, I completely understand the meaning behind Chinese gift-giving superstitions. I know that fish symbolize abundance because 鱼 rhymes with 余, the Chinese character for surplus.
I didn’t even know about a lot of these gift traditions despite I am from Chinese origin. In fact, I actually gave a blue shirt to my family when exchanging gifts! I hope my family wasn’t too offended and thought I was reminding them of death! I usually just give people red gifts since I know that red in Chinese colors is prosperous. This guide has helped me a lot and I will keep this in mind next time I exchange gifts with my family.
Wow, this article was definitely an eye-opener. I had no idea that blue or white clothing is worn during a traditional Chinese funeral. Furthermore, I learned that animals symbolize words that are pronunciation in a similar way. For example, the Chinese character for fish (鱼), is pronounced similarly to the Chinese character meaning abundance, 余. It was also interesting to learn that flowers hold such a high meaning when given as gifts to others.
Additionally, it was surprising to see in the different ways colors are perceived in Eastern and Western cultures.
Wow, I never knew that so many colors had so many different meanings! Personally, I’ve never seen someone wear white or blue to a funeral, so it was surprising to learn. My parents always told me that 4 was an unlucky number, but I never knew 10 was also considered unlucky in Chinese culture. I also learned that peonies represented wealth and prosperity. It was shocking to read that bats symbolized luck.
I never knew that there were this many things you had to know before giving someone a gift in China. It’s interesting that colors in gift cards symbolize different things, I learned that bats are considered lucky, and toads represent wealth. There are so many ways people can unintentionally offend someone. I’m shocked that 10 is unlucky because it’s my favorite number.
I never knew that there were different meanings for each color. This is such an interesting chart because of the different animals and symbols that mean so many things. The Peony flower and the bats seem like good luck in Chinese culture. The different numbers and clothing really have specific meanings to the symbols. All in all I believe that everything that is on this chart has a significant meaning to the Chinese culture.
This was a really amazing article that contained many different facts about China. Many of the facts I did not previously know, such as the section about special numbers and their significance. I also enjoyed the part about the different flowers and what they are a symbol of. Furthermore, I learned that there are colors that you must avoid when wrapping a gift. I also never knew that there are so many cloths that must not be given as a gift to others. I will be sure to remember this article and the different things I must do and avoid in my daily life.
I wish that I had read something like this before I went to China. I actually brought gifts to my host family, but I didn’t do too much research into the meaning. I can’t really remember what I brought them, but I remember buying some type of soaps for my host mother. I think I bought my host father some sportswear like a hat and a jersey. Thinking about it now I am pretty sure it’s was a Mets or Yankees hat and jersey so blue or whit could symbolize death, so I should have put more thinking into it.
I come from a Chinese background and yet I didn’t even recognize half of these gifts traditions listed in the article, so this is actually quite interesting and informative. I’ve always known that red represents good fortune, as the color is everywhere to be found during Chinese New Year, but this article has brought to my attention the importance of what every other color represents. For instance, white represents mourning and death while purple symbolizes nobility, immortality and power. In western culture, the color black is perceived as a representation of evil, violence and death, but according to this article, black represents power, equality and strength in Chinese traditions which are viewed as much more positive qualities in contrast to how black is viewed in western cultures. Also, I never knew that in Chinese tradition, flowers had significant representation in gifts and symbolize different and unique qualities as well. For example, peonies represent richness and prosperity while lotus flowers represent ultimate purity. Whenever my family is looking for clothing to give to others on celebratory occasions, I’ve always suggested blue or white colored clothing, as blue and white are some of my favorite colors. This article makes me regret suggesting those poor choices of color for clothing, as now I know they both represent death and mourning at funerals, but what can I do anyways. Thanks for writing this article, I’ll be sure to use this as a guideline to look back upon before buying gifts for others.
非常感谢你和我们分享这么多送礼的tips。我相信这些advice在我以后的人生里也会用的到。虽然我在中国家庭长大但是很多规矩都不清楚。 你提到的颜色，数字，花所代表的含义是我以后要注意的，尤其是送礼给中国老人的时候。非常感谢。
Thanks for the tips! They are very useful especially for someone who would be visiting China. Even though I knew some number such as four were unlucky I didn’t know animals also had “secret” meanings behind them. I also never knew that flowers had meanings behind them too! It would be interesting to know how all of these meanings came to be.
I always knew that there were lucky and unlucky symbols in Chinese, but I never knew there were so many “rules” in gift giving. It was fascinating because I didn’t know blue was related to funerals or that green hats is related to a cheating spouse. Also, I was surprised that different flowers could have different meanings. It’s great that you wrote this article because I could have made someone upset if I gave an unlucky gift. I will be sure not to give any “unlucky” gifts next time I give someone a gift!
Wow, there is a lot of information here to unpack! I never knew there were so many rules for giving gifts… I’ll make sure to follow them the next time I give gifts to someone. I appreciate all the help you’ve given me!
I had no idea that there were so many rules to giving gifts! I also had no idea that you can’t wear certain clothes to celebrations. My parents have always told me that the number 4 was an unlucky number that represented death, but I had no clue that the number 10 is unlucky too!
I can definitely say that a lot of these can be scary. I would get scolded if I ever involved the number 4 with gifts or made kebabs with 4 pieces to it. And yes, the colors representing death are also something to be aware of. If you do…hopefully they don’t get the wrong idea or else you’ll be in trouble. (yikes) However, knowing these “superstitions?” could also help us in picking gifts. For example, arranging the perfect bouquet with orchids, peonies, and chrysanthemum would definitely earn you a smile. (Though I don’t know if a bouquet would look good arranged that way…hehe)
I never knew about most of these gift giving traditions before, and it’s very helpful to learn about them! I had no idea people in China wear blue or white to funerals. I also didn’t know that 10 is considered an unlucky number, or that bats symbolize luck. It’s interesting how the color of a gift, card, or wrapping could be so important and have so much meaning. I’ll definitely try to think about these tips, such as the different meanings for flowers, the next time I give a gift to a Chinese relative.
This is a very interesting and informative article. I did not know about a lot of these traditions. I had no idea people wore blue or white to funerals. I also did not know that bats were a symbol of good luck. I did however know that the number 4 was bad because it sounds like the word death in Chinese.
Although I knew red was the color of happiness, I was surprised when I read what the colors blue and white represented. Blue is actually one of my favorite colors, and I wore blue clothing a lot. Now I know that family members wear blue to funerals, I now know when to wear it and when not to. I was also surprised when I read that the number 10 was unlucky… I knew about 4, but 10 had always been a number I liked.
How have I never seen this before? Well, I’m really glad I know now because this is extremely useful. Until now, I’ve never known what the other colors represent, but I never thought that the small difference in color could change the meaning of something so much. And to think that bats are a symbol of good luck? Never would’ve guessed that, but I guess I learned something new today.
I thought this article was very interesting because even though I’m Chinese, I didn’t know about a lot of facts in this article. I didn’t know there was more ham red and gold colors when gifting gifts for chinese people. I knew what gold and red meant, but now I know there are a lot of colors that represent things. Also, the same thing for the animals, I didn’t know there were more representative animals than pandas and dragons. It was interesting to see all of the beautiful flowers and what they meant to chinese people.
Who doesn’t like gifts, right? While I love receiving gifts, I believe that giving gifts is even better! Each culture has its own gift giving traditions. This is no different in China. When giving gifts, you have to consider every aspect of what makes a perfect gift. This info-graphic is sure to help! Keep up the great work!
I’ve always known that red is the color of good luck and fortune in the Chinese culture but I wouldn’t have expected the color black to be so meaningful. This has been very informative given that my family isn’t extremely traditional in its gift giving manners. Also, I didn’t know that the frog was a symbolic creature to the Chinese. I never would have guessed that half of these things on the list were of significance if you had asked. I’ll definitely keep this in mind when giving future gifts!
Very nice picture! It confirms a lot of superstitions I have heard from my family. This information also confirms that my parents are very superstitious. This will help me in my future considerations of gift giving. Gift giving is also a vital part of the culture.
在中国送礼的时候很讲究。在什么样的场合送什么样的花。什么日子穿什么样子的衣服等等。不过在中国，逢年过节大家伙都会穿红色。因为红色代表囍和福。虽然这不是篇文章，不过表达的很清楚。
This is a really nice article. It is really shocking to me because I come from a Chinese culture and yet I can’t recognize most of these. What I found most shocking was how color so greatly impacts the kinds of gifts you can give. Such as not giving a white shirt because it can represent a funeral. I was also shocked to see that the number 10 is an unlucky number. Great job and keep up the good work.
It’s amazing how many things you have to put into thought as you give gifts to someone. Although I knew about the colors and numbers being a symbol of things such as prosperity or death, it’s interesting to know clothing is also a big of gift giving in China.
This was such an interesting article I wouldn’t have thought about colors, numbers, animals, and flowers symbolizing things. Two things I was very surprised to see was numbers and colors. I always knew red was meaningful and good but I didn’t think any of the other colors had significance. Two colors that really caught my eye was white and black I would have thought their meanings would be switched. The information about numbers was interesting. I didn’t know people actually looked at things like that. This was such an interesting article and it really taught what not to give to people if I got to China.
Wow, this was a great article and I learned a lot. This reminds me of a fun facts page that you read in your free time. The most interesting fact on his page was that if you give a green hat to someone that means that you are cheating on your spouse. A lot of the other facts were also very interesting such as the ones about the lucky numbers and animals. This article has taught me a lot and I will make sure I will have my eye out for these facts when I finally visit China!
Wow, this article was a really interesting read. One thing I didn’t really expect was that the color white was a symbol of death and mourning. Also, numbers really caught me off guard, I didn’t realize that numbers had such a big impact on gift giving. In addition, animals also had a very interesting role. A bat represented luck, frogs represented money, and green dragons symbolized good fortune. Overall gift giving in China is significantly different compared to the American way.
Wow this is such an informative article! Even though I am Chinese, this article was very eye opening to me. I never knew that giving someone a green hat meant that they have a cheating spouse. I never thought that different colors, animals, flowers, and numbers had different meanings. The next time I give a gift to someone I will be sure to think of this article.
Amazing article! I didn’t even know there were this many limitations and rules to giving gifts. I think that it is really interesting how there are so many symbols, numbers,and colors that we use on a daily basis that can mean so much in the Chinese culture. I was surprised when you stated how the color blue is a color you shouldn’t wear or give since it is worn during funerals. Also, I wasn’t expecting the color black to represent strength and power. This was a great article and I learned a lot about giving certain gifts.
Great article! It is absolutely a new and a really cool way to write this article by doing a photo display! As a Chinese personally, I have always been both interested and confused about how to send proper gifts to other Chinses people. Because my parents always give gifts to other family friends at important festivals. There are many rules for giving gifts. I have always been confused by the rules of giving gifts properly and no one would ever teach me about how to and what to give. After reading this photo display, I don’t have to be confused by it anymore, I can actually know how and what to give. Great article which taught me a lot about Chinese culture. Thanks so much!
中国人对礼仪特别重视，比如礼尚往来，意思就是你收了别人的礼物，你也要送回礼物给别人表示感谢！中国人也特别重视尊老爱幼，先尊重老人其次再爱护幼童。通过这篇文章我们可以了解到中国的礼仪！
this is a great source to go to when i want to give a gift. not only that but i learned the symbols and culture along with learning gift giving. it is amazing how Chinese culture works. symbols such as colors could mean so much and how it affects lives of people everyday. even though i am Chinese this opened my eyes since i had not known about all these symbols and etiquette.
WOW! This article was very interesting. I never knew that the color white meant death and mourning. I didn’t even expect for all of the colors that mean something. For example, the Chinese character for fish (鱼), is pronounced similarly to the Chinese character meaning abundance. I never thought that different colors, animals, flowers, and numbers had different meanings.
This article definitely gave me a lot of information that I never knew about. I never realized how important color and numbers can be toward the quality of a gift in Chinese culture. Also, it gave me great and informative tips the next time I go on to give gifts of my own to my relatives. It is important to know the hidden messages behind the small details of these gifts. Even a slight change of shape or number can cause a difference in its appreciation.
I knew that when you give gifts to Chinese people, you should be careful not to send certain gifts. but I didn’t know which specific ones or what meanings each color/animal/numbers/flowers have. As an example, I didn’t think that green hats would be saying that one has a cheating spouse. This whole thing related to words and gifts show how much Chinese people like to put meanings on everything, based on how it is pronounced or written. It showed me another aspect of Chinese culture.
This article is very precise about its information that I knew and didn’t know about. As I know from my knowledge numbers like triple 6, is a very good luck, unlike in America, it resembles the devil. and the colors that I only know is that red is for New Years but I never knew about other color and I am really interested to learn what they mean. Also, give envelop filled with money on New Years to your relatives is also a very popular tradition that still lasts today. The animals are new to me as I never learned about them, thank you so much for posting this.
I never would have thought of these things! Ill keep this in my mind in case I need to send someone something in China. Who knew that little things such as colors, numbers, animals, and flowers have different meaning behind them. Like who knew giving someone a blue jacket can remind them of death! It just goes to show you that something simple in one culture can be a really big deal in another.
Even though I am Chinese, I never thought that there would be these many variables into giving someone a gift! I knew a few of the things that were written, an example being that I knew the number 4 was supposed to be bad and wearing white was also a bad thing to do. But after seeing all of these different things to do and not to do I might be able to prevent these bad situations to happen. Thank you for posting this because this will help me learn what to do if there is any Chinese event that will occur and what to do in those situations. This article is very helpful and will help me get an in-depth understanding of the traditions in China.
I thought it was so interesting that China has so many different symbols for colors, numbers, and presents. One thing that really surprised me was that white is considered a color for death and shouldn’t be worn at celebrations. This is different than in America because usually, people wear white as a fresh and pure color. Also, I thought that it was interesting that toads can mean wealth and money. I will definitely be more cautious and thoughtful in my gifts when giving it to a Chinese person so thank you for sharing!
Great article Wesley! How many things people have to avoid when sending gifts in China is very interesting. Some I never heard of being offensive really caught my eye. Such as the green hat, I never knew that meant they had a cheating spouse. I’ll think about all the guidelines I have to follow when sending a gift to someone in China.
I didn’t know any of these before reading this. I never knew that everything, including color, had a meaning. Because of this article, I now know why people put all of those animals in drawings, or make them as statues. I always wondered, “Why a dragon or a frog?” Now I know why. Same goes for the Lotus Flower. This article helped me gain information so that in the future, if I do send a gift to someone in China, I know how to do it correctly and with respect.
Wow this article taught me so much! I had no idea that everything had a symbol. It is is interesting comparing the American culture to the Chinese culture. In America, there are almost no restrictions to gifts caused by meanings of the gift itself. This article was very useful to me and it will definitely help me if I ever need to give a gift to someone from a Chinese background. I would have never known that there were such meanings to specific characteristics such as color and also animals, numbers, animals, flowers, and articles of clothing. The pictures were also very helpful and entertaining to look at because it provided a visual for every example given. I will definitely refer back to these guidelines the next time I am giving a gift!
After reading this article, I learned that the color black had so much meaning to it, because usually, I would think that the color red was famously associated in China. It was so interesting to learn that China has different symbols for colors, numbers, presents and more. I did not know that the frog was a symbolic creature to the Chinese! Who knew that that if you gift someone a blue jacket it could remind them of death. This is very interesting, thanks for sharing!
作为一位从中国来的人，我原来也不知道中国送礼有这么的讲究，感谢作者让我知道了更多的东西！
The article above had some terminology that I should have known but didn’t. I had no Idea that gifts were not only based on color, but on specific articles of clothing, numbers, animals, and flowers! I also noted that panda bears were considered good luck across china. Some of these symbols I knew like the fish for abundance, 4 for death, and the red for good luck, yet there is so much more I have to learn about Chinese tradition.
I had no idea that there were so many rules to giving gifts! I also had no idea that you can’t wear certain clothes to celebrations. Im not sure ill be sending girts to china but when I do, ill remember this!
I was actually very intruiged by this post. I absolutely love learning about interesting quirks in different cultures, and so little things like this will surely become stored in my knowledge. I’ve always heard about the number 4 being unlucky in the Chinese culture, but was never quite sure as to why. I never, however, heard about the color aspects of the Chinese culture, so I found that segment particularly enlightening. I’ll be sure to not give anyone a green hat any time soon!
看了作者的文章，我知道了原来送礼物也有这么多的注意事项。的确中国人对于送礼，向来是认为这是为人处世之道，都十分注意。中国人送礼物最注意的就是谐音和一些颜色。肯定没人希望因为送了不是很合适的礼物而导致被别人误会。这篇关于送礼物的文章告诉我中华文化的博大精深，大家也要多多学习。
Wow, this is an amazing infographic. I learned a lot about Chinese culture and how it applies to gift giving. I learned that white clothing is horrible to buy, while red symbolizes joy, happiness and luck. I also learned that green hats are a horrible idea for a Chinese gift. I also love how the infographic tells you that panda bears are always a great theme for a gift. Thanks for the article.
Thank you for all the descriptions of certain key numbers and objects. I have always known they had meaning, but no clue on what said meanings are. I did no expect that white was for funerals considering that black is a more depressing color and in most cultures the dark or blackness signifies death. I do wonder though why do toads signify money and wealth. I wonder this because for the most part toads are viewed as carriers of evil and the plague.
Cool that there are some guidelines that can be followed when buying gifts for friends or family. I myself have not been taught many of these tips, but have been told by my parents about the meaning of color in China. It was also cool to learn about how the number 4 means death in China. I wonder if two people disliked each other, would they send each other something with the number 4? I also love having animals on my gifts, and will remember to try to put some green dragons on them, for decoration and good fortune.
I always knew that the color red meant luck and happiness in China, but I never knew that there were other colors that had other meanings in China. To me, Chinese culture is very unique because it has so many meanings with one object. Now, every time my parents give gifts to other people, I understand why they didn’t have these types of unlucky colors. Furthermore, I never knew that the number “3” mean longevity, while the number “10” means lucky. I hope to learn more about gift-giving because I don’t want them to misunderstand my intentions when I give the gift. Great article Wesley!
What an amazing article. It is really interesting to see that every culture has a certain standard in their form of gift giving. I would have never thought that certain colors would represent luck, happiness, or power. The Chinese culture is very special in that all gifts and practices are part of a bigger picture, and they mean more than meets the eye. For example, I had no idea that the number “8” meant wealth and prosperity. To me, the number “8” means nothing more than just a number, so it is fascinating to see that the Chinese develop a deeper significance and meaning for everything.
Thanks for the heads up! I wouldn’t want to give somebody a green hat. The animals mean more than I thought. This is probably why fish is eaten at a lot of Chinese parties. I will take your article into consideration before giving someone a gift
Thank you so much for referring me to this website! Next time I give a gift I’ll refer back to this. I’ll make sure to not give anyone a green hat, or blue/white clothing. I think that it’s so interesting that the gift wrapping and card are as important as the gift itself. I never knew about all these Chinese gift traditions.
What an interesting piece, Wesley! When we went to China, I definitely struggled on what to bring for the students and families. This article would’ve been a great help. Also, I didn’t know that specific numbers and animals represent various forms of fortune. For example, bats represent luck, while the number ten stands for bad luck. Nice work!