The practice of gift giving may seem to many Americans to convey a universal message of appreciation or hospitality, and one may not even consider that this message could be misconstrued by the recipient, regardless of their background. However, in other cultures, the rules governing gift giving may differ vastly from American values. Violation of these standards could lead persons involved to feel uncomfortable or even insulted.
Consider the following practices from other areas of the world:
Japan
- Do not open a gift in front of a Japanese counterpart unless asked and do not expect the Japanese counterpart to open your gift.
- Avoid ribbons and bows as part of gift wrapping. Bows as we know them are considered unattractive and ribbon colors can have different meanings.
- Do not offer a gift depicting a fox or badger. The fox is the symbol of fertility; the badger, cunning.
Europe
- Avoid red roses and white flowers, even numbers, and the number 13. Do not wrap flowers in paper.
- Do not risk the impression of bribery by spending too much on a gift.
Arab World
- Do not give a gift when you first meet someone. It may be interpreted as a bribe.
- Do not let it appear that you contrived to present the gift when the recipient is alone. It looks bad unless you know the person well. Give the gift in front of others in less personal relationships.
Latin America
- Do not give a gift until after a somewhat personal relationship has developed unless it is given to express appreciation for hospitality.
- Gifts should be given during social encounters, not in the course of business.
- Avoid the colors black and purple; both are associated with the Catholic Lenten season.
China
- Never make an issue of a gift presentation - publicly or privately.
- Gifts should be presented privately, with the exception of collective ceremonial gifts at banquets.
The taboos surrounding gift giving in other cultures can be very important, not only in personal relationships, but in business as well. Think about how your relations with someone could be altered simply by an unintentional gesture. How could you better prepare yourself in situations where customs play an important role?
