The art of gift-giving has a long history. Gifts are a way to express a deep connection and understanding between two people. They also demonstrate the giver’s goodwill and intentions. Therefore, choosing an appropriate gift is crucial, as it reflects the giver’s cultural awareness, thoughtfulness, and attention to detail.
Be Mindful When Giving Gifts
Both the act of giving and receiving gifts can reveal a lot about a person’s character and mindset. Relationships can be strengthened or strained by the choice of a gift. Some presents can lead to misunderstandings, while others may convey hidden messages beyond their monetary value. Thus, it is essential to exercise caution when selecting a gift to avoid any potential pitfalls.
Here are three items that are traditionally considered taboo to give as gifts:
Avoid Gifting Clocks
In the past, clocks were valuable possessions, as not everyone could afford to have a timepiece. Only wealthy families displayed clocks in their homes. However, the very name of the object, when translated from Chinese, carries a negative connotation.
In Chinese, the word for clock is “sòng zhōng,” which sounds similar to “sòng zǒng,” meaning “to send off the deceased.” As a result, gifting a clock could be interpreted as wishing death upon the recipient, which is obviously not the intention. To prevent any misunderstandings and ward off bad luck, it is best to avoid giving clocks as presents.
From a feng shui perspective, clocks are also believed to affect the flow of energy and prosperity in a home. Gifting a clock may inadvertently reduce the recipient’s fortune and prosperity.
Clocks: Valuable but Not for Gifting
No Giving Pears
Pears are considered a delicacy among fruits, known for their sweet and refreshing taste, as well as their medicinal properties. In the past, only the wealthy could afford to enjoy this fruit. However, gifting pears can lead to misunderstandings due to their symbolic meaning.
In Chinese, the word for pear is “lí,” which sounds similar to the word for “separation” or “parting.” As a result, gifting pears, especially during weddings, is considered a bad omen, symbolizing the wish for the couple to part ways. The same belief holds true in Vietnamese, where the word “lê” has negative connotations of sluggishness and delay.
Pears: Delicious but Not for Gifting
Umbrellas Are a No-Go, Especially for Weddings
Umbrellas serve the practical purpose of shielding us from the sun and rain, and they used to be a common accessory. However, gifting an umbrella is considered taboo due to the negative symbolism associated with the word.
In Chinese, the character for “umbrella” is “sǎn,” which means “to disperse” or “to separate.” Gifting an umbrella, therefore, suggests a wish for the recipient to be dispersed or separated, which is clearly not a positive message. During weddings, in particular, gifting an umbrella could be interpreted as wishing for the couple’s quick separation or divorce.
While these beliefs may not hold as much weight in modern Vietnamese culture, it is still worth considering when choosing a gift to avoid any potential misunderstandings or bad omens.
*Disclaimer: This information is for reference only and is based on traditional beliefs.*
