The Lunar New Year festivities are fast approaching, and everyone is busy preparing new outfits, cosmetics, and thoughtful gifts for their loved ones. To help you navigate the art of gift-giving during this special time, we previously shared a guide on the traditions and meanings behind Lunar New Year gifts.
However, as the Lunar New Year is a significant and deeply spiritual occasion, gift choices should not only be made with care and practicality but also with cultural considerations in mind. Here is a list of gifts that are traditionally considered inappropriate for this festive season:
1 Watches
Wearing a watch is often associated with keeping track of time, and receiving one as a gift may imply that your time is limited. Additionally, in some languages, the word for “watch” sounds similar to words associated with death or endings.
Watches
2 Pets
While cute and cuddly pets like dogs and cats may seem like a great gift idea, they are not ideal for the Lunar New Year. Families often prefer a calm and peaceful atmosphere during the first few days of the year, and a new pet can cause disruptions as it adjusts to its new home.
Moreover, in some cultures, the sound a cat makes may be associated with financial hardship, so it is best to avoid gifting pets during this time.
Related: for a prosperous and smooth year ahead
Pets
3 Squid
The Lunar New Year is a perfect time for beach vacations, and many people enjoy gifting fresh or dried squid to their loved ones. However, according to Vietnamese beliefs, gifting squid implies wishing bad luck upon the recipient for the entire year. Similarly, giving someone a bottle of ink may be interpreted as a curse.
Squid
4 Peppercorns
For many Vietnamese, especially those with Chinese heritage, receiving peppercorns as a gift is considered extremely unlucky. The word for “pepper” in some languages sounds similar to words associated with dissipation and loss, so it is best to avoid gifting peppercorns during the Lunar New Year.
Peppercorns
5 Knives, Forks, and Scissors
Modern designs have transformed knives, forks, and scissors into elegant and sophisticated gifts. However, according to traditional beliefs, receiving these items during the Lunar New Year can bring disharmony and bad luck to the recipient’s family. It is best to opt for another occasion to gift these items.
Knives, Forks, and Scissors
6 Handkerchiefs
Handkerchiefs are associated with wiping away tears and sweat, and gifting them may suggest that you wish the recipient to experience sadness or hardship. Therefore, it is best to avoid giving handkerchiefs during the Lunar New Year festivities.
Handkerchiefs
7 Lighters and Matches
Items that create fire, such as lighters and matches, are not considered appropriate gifts during the Lunar New Year. In some cultures, it is believed that lending fire to someone on the first day of the year will bring bad luck, as fire represents prosperity and good fortune.
Giving away something symbolic of fire may result in financial losses, domestic issues, and unfortunate encounters throughout the year.
Lighters and Matches
8 Water
Refraining from giving water as a gift on the first day of the year is a common tradition in many Asian countries, including Vietnam. According to ancient beliefs, water represents fluidity and abundance, and gifting it to someone else may be seen as giving away your own luck and prosperity. Both the giver and the recipient may view this as inauspicious.
Water
Related: 55+ unique, impressive, and meaningful gifts
9 Flowers with Thorns
While roses and cacti may be beautiful, no one wants to be pricked by thorns during the Lunar New Year. Additionally, thorns symbolize challenging relationships, which is not an ideal message to convey during this festive season. Opt for traditional flowers like plum blossoms or peach blossoms instead.
Flowers with Thorns
10 Dark-Colored Wrapping Paper
During the Lunar New Year, bright and cheerful colors are preferred, as they symbolize new beginnings and happiness. Gifting presents wrapped in dark-colored paper may be perceived as bringing gloom and sadness, even if the gift itself is valuable.
Red wrapping paper, on the other hand, is considered auspicious and festive for this occasion.
Related: 13 superstitions to be aware of during the Lunar New Year
Dark-Colored Wrapping Paper
Source:
Exchanging gifts during the Lunar New Year is a cherished tradition that symbolizes respect, affection, and well-wishes for the recipient. However, it is essential to be mindful of cultural beliefs and avoid gifting the items mentioned above to ensure a joyful and prosperous celebration for all.
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