No matter where you live, giving gifts is a common way for us to express thanks, concern or love. Although the reasons for giving gifts are about the same around the world, the traditions of giving gifts can be quite different from one another.
In Europe, don’t accidentally cut yourself out of someone’s life.
In the US, a set of kitchen knives seems like the perfect gift idea for a wedding or holiday. However, in certain European countries like Germany, superstition (迷信) defines that a knife presented as a gift will end your friendship. There is a way to beat this superstition: tie a penny to the knife or gift box. The receiver then returns the penny to you as a “payment” to drive away the bad luck.
In Native America, your host gives gifts rather than receives them.
The Native American gift giving custom is exactly the opposite to that of any other culture. Traditionally, during weddings and some big celebrations (birthdays aren’t included), guests are the receivers of gifts rather than the host.
In Japan, presentation is paramount.
The Japanese place great emphasis on the act of gift giving, and presentation plays a big role in determining how your gift is received. For example, it’s considered unpleasant to receive uncovered cash. So whether you’re sending money as a gift or just leaving a tip, place your money in an envelope to ensure it’s received in a respectful manner.
In China, red envelopes and even denominations (面额) bring good luck.
Chinese New Year has a rich set of traditions. One of the most popular customs of this holiday is giving out money in red envelopes. Known as yasuiqian, these gifts are meant to bring good luck. In addition to how you give money, there’s also superstition relating to the amount you give. Giving an odd numbered amount of money is considered bad luck. It’s important to make sure that even the first digit is even as numbers like 30 and 5 0 are considered odd.
1. Which way of gift giving is acceptable based on the text?
A.Sending uncovered cash to a friend as a gift in Japan. |
B.Giving a knife with a penny tied as a gift in Germany. |
C.Receiving gifts from a Native American host at his birthday party. |
D.Giving three hundred yuan to a Chinese child during the New Year. |
2. Where will you probably receive a gift when attending a wedding?
A.In Europe. | B.In China. | C.In Japan. | D.In Native America. |
3. What does the underlined word “paramount” properly mean?
A.Vital. | B.Impractical. | C.Respectful. | D.Unpleasant. |