Here Are Some “Bad” Christmas Gifts Y ou Should Never Give in China

Today is Christmas Day. You may want to give gifts to your Chinese friends to share your happiness with them. However, do you know what kind of gifts are appropriate for Chinese people and what gifts are not appropriate? Let’s learn about this in today’s lesson and then you can pick up the right Christmas gift for your Chinese friends.

The following are gifts you should never buy for a Chinese.
钟 (Zhōng) Clock
According to Chinese custom, it is taboo to give someone a clock as a gift. The Chinese word for clock is "钟(zhōng)" which sounds exactly like the Chinese word "终(zhōng)." Thus, giving someone a clock means "送钟(sòngzhōng) give a clock," which shares the same pronunciation with the word "送终(sòngzhōng)"- a funeral ritual in China. Due to the similarity of these words and the connotation of death that is implied, a Chinese person would never give another Chinese person a clock as a gift.

绿帽子 (Lǜ màozi) Green hat
Another thing that you should be aware of is not to give anyone, especially a man, a green hat as a gift. If we say a man "戴绿帽(dài lǜmào) wears a green hat," then it implies that his wife is unfaithful. So a green hat on a man indicates that he is a cuckold.

鞋 (Xié) Shoes
First, the Chinese word for "鞋 (xié) shoes" sounds like "邪 (xié) evil," which naturally prompts negative thoughts and feelings in people. Secondly, shoes are something trampled underfoot. Thirdly, if the shoes are small, it would remind people of the traditional Chinese phrase "穿小鞋 (chuān xiǎoxié) wearing small shoes," meaning "to create difficulties for others." So "鞋 (xié) shoes" should be avoided as gifts in China.

Wine, cigarettes, peaches, and tea are popular and appropriate gifts for Chinese people. You can choose one of these to give to your friends in China.

Christmas in China:
Christmas Greetings in Chinese
狂欢的日子来了 (Kuánghuān de rìzi lái le) Christmas Party

As winter is now here, I’ve noticed a few things that buyers flock here in China. One is old and one is new. They both help keep us warm and content in the cold winter.

I will first introduce the "new" product to you:

暖手袋 (Nuǎnshǒudài) = warm handbags

Gaining in popularity this year are "暖手袋 (nuǎnshǒudài)", or warm handbags, also called electric warm bags. The handbags get their warmth with electricity that heats the water inside the bag. These convenient devices are perfect for people to use in the house, office or outside. When I get cold or stomachache, I use my "暖手袋 (nuǎnshǒudài)" to warm my hands and stomach to feel better. They’re cheap and can come in handy when you’re in a place without heaters. Since you’re using water and electricity, but sure to read over the safety precautions before use. You can buy your own "暖手袋 (nuǎnshǒudài)" on Chinese e-commerce sites such as Alibaba or Tencent. I am sending a few home to my family in the USA for Christmas!

Nǐ yǐ qián yòng guò nuǎnshǒudài ma?
你 以前 用 过 暖手袋 吗？
Have you used warm handbags before?

Another way we stay warm in China during the winter is a more traditional thing to buy on the streets of China, roasted vegetables:

烤玉米 (Kǎoyùmǐ) = roasted corn
烤红薯 (Kǎohóngshǔ) = roasted sweet potatoes

Quiz:

A. 冰淇淋 (bīngqílín)
B. 烤玉米 (kǎoyùmǐ)
C. 烤红薯 (kǎohóngshǔ)
D. 暖手袋 (nuǎnshǒudài)
See Answer