the difference of gift-giving between east and west

中西方送礼物的差异

The difference of gift-giving between east and west

中西方送礼物的差异

In the West , it is regarded as polite to open gifts as soon as they are given to express appreciation. In China, people tend to open the gifts after the visitors have left.Normally we Chinese feel that if you open the gift as soon as it is given, you might embarrass the person who gives the gift and you might be thought greedy.

中西方送礼物的差异

What is more,in China many people send gifts without wrapping(包装) them, and if they wrap them, they usually tell the receiver what is inside, and the receiver will thank the sender and put the gift aside without unwrapping (拆开 包装)them .However,when we receive gifts with decoration

from an English native speaker, in order to avoid misunderstanding, we may follow their custom by opening the gifts in front of him

中西方送礼物的差异

Chinese like to send gifts in pairs, such as two bottles of wine, two cigarettes. On the one hand is to show that you are a generous person, on the other hand is to get a lucky number. But, in the west, people send a bottle of wine only.One is quite enough, two are of course welcome but unusual and not expected.

中西方送礼物的差异

In China to visit friends or relatives , carry some fruit is very common. But in West , fruit is sended when visiting patient .

中西方送礼物的差异

Chinese send gifts with strong purpose (目的性很强) , the gift, is often sent out before to ask people for their help, so the gifts are very expensive。It's like to burn incense, to rely on divine blessing.

(先烧香，才能指望神灵庇佑)

中西方送礼物的差异

But foreigners pay attention to the significance of the gift(礼物的意义). You sent me a present, it means you want to make friends with me, and not want to take advantage of me for the benefit of what you seek. So their gifts are generally not expensive, and is sent after get help, to express sincere gratitude.