Art of Gifting ; Gift-giving is a timeless tradition that transcends cultures, carrying deep symbolic meaning and serving as an expression of gratitude, respect, and goodwill. Across Asia, different regions have developed unique gifting customs that reflect their histories, values, and traditions. This article explores the distinctive gift-giving cultures in China, Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Indonesia, highlighting their significance in personal, economic, and political interactions.
China: Symbolism and Tradition
In China, gifting is deeply rooted in history and symbolism. Traditional gifts, such as tea, ceramics, and red envelopes (hongbao) filled with money, are carefully chosen to reflect good fortune and prosperity. The color red is particularly auspicious, symbolizing happiness and success. However, certain gifts are strictly avoided due to negative connotations. For example, clocks (which signify “the end” or death) and pears (which sound like “separation” in Chinese) are considered inappropriate gifts. During Chinese New Year, oranges and tangerines are popular choices, as their names are phonetically linked to luck and wealth.
Sending Oranges: A Spring Festival Custom
In southern China, particularly in Guangdong, a popular custom known as “sending oranges” is closely tied to the culture and beliefs of the Chinese people. The word for “orange” (ju) is a homophone for “good luck” (ji), making oranges an ideal gift during the Spring Festival. Many families purchase pots of golden tangerines, which symbolize prosperity and abundance. The exchange of oranges among friends and relatives is a way to wish each other fortune and happiness in the new year.
In Chaozhou, oranges are called “da ju,” which sounds like “da ji” (great luck). It is customary to bring oranges when visiting relatives during the New Year. Hosts will exchange their own oranges with those brought by guests to symbolize mutual goodwill and shared prosperity. Additionally, if a family experiences a conflict, offering oranges as an apology can serve as a symbolic gesture of reconciliation and renewal of good fortune.
Korea: Thoughtfulness Over Extravagance
Korean gift-giving culture emphasizes thoughtfulness rather than extravagance. While premium gifts such as high-quality beef or ginseng are common, practical gifts like skincare products and health supplements are also highly valued. Koreans often prefer single-item gifts over pairs, as odd numbers symbolize good fortune. Additionally, white is considered a lucky color, commonly seen in New Year’s monetary envelopes and traditional rice cakes. However, one should avoid giving tofu as a gift, as it is associated with former prisoners who receive tofu upon release as a symbolic cleansing of the past.
Japan: Elegance and Etiquette
Japan is known for its refined and highly structured approach to gift-giving. The presentation of the gift is just as important as the gift itself, with beautifully wrapped packages and elaborate furoshiki cloths enhancing the gesture. Seasonal and regional delicacies, tea sets, and fine stationery are popular gift choices. Gifts should always be presented with both hands as a sign of respect. It is also customary to remove the price tag before giving a gift, as leaving it on is considered impolite. Numbers play a crucial role in Japanese gifting etiquette—gifts should never be given in sets of four, as the pronunciation of “four” (shi) is similar to “death.”
Interestingly, the Japanese pronunciation of “orange” (Dai Dai) sounds similar to “generation to generation” in Chinese, making oranges a symbol of family prosperity and the continuity of good fortune. This explains why oranges are often included in New Year celebrations in Japan.
Hong Kong: Blending Eastern and Western Influences
As a global financial hub, Hong Kong’s gift-giving customs reflect a blend of Eastern and Western traditions. Red packets (lai see) filled with money are widely given during Lunar New Year and special occasions. Additionally, gourmet treats like pineapple cakes and egg rolls make excellent gifts. However, gifting sharp objects such as knives or scissors is discouraged, as they symbolize severed relationships. Business gifts often include premium wines, imported chocolates, or fine teas, showcasing both cultural appreciation and modern sophistication.
Taiwan: Innovation Meets Tradition
Taiwanese gifting culture embodies a mix of traditional customs and modern creativity. While classic gifts such as specialty teas, pineapple cakes, and handmade crafts are cherished, many people seek out unique and meaningful presents. Traditional gifts reflect Taiwanese heritage, whereas contemporary choices blend artistic expression with practicality.
Indonesia: Considerate and Respectful Giving
In Indonesia, giving gifts is a common practice, often carried out with great care and respect for cultural and religious sensitivities. Gifts should always be offered using the right hand, and recipients typically open them later rather than in front of the giver.
When giving to a Muslim recipient, it is important to avoid products containing alcohol (including perfumes) or pork derivatives. For Hindu recipients, gifts should not include beef or cow-derived products, such as leather goods. Meanwhile, Chinese Indonesians may politely refuse a gift multiple times before accepting it to avoid seeming greedy. They also favor bright colors and avoid items such as scissors or knives, which symbolize a potential severance of relationships.
During religious holidays, it is customary to visit family members and give envelopes containing money, particularly to children and the elderly, as a sign of goodwill and blessings.
The Gift as Material Culture: Focus on Indonesia
Gift-giving has long been an essential part of human interaction, reflecting complex social, economic, and political relationships. This article explores the concept of gifts as material culture, with a particular focus on Indonesia. It examines how gifts function within Indonesian society, emphasizing their roles in marital alliances, economic exchanges, and religious or political transactions.
The Role of Gifts in Indonesian Marital Alliances
In Indonesia, wedding gifts serve as crucial symbols of alliances between families and communities. Studies of marriage customs highlight the structured negotiations surrounding these exchanges. Despite the traditional framework, families actively engage in discussions to adjust the value and type of gifts exchanged, demonstrating flexibility within cultural norms.
Indonesian weddings often feature a structured exchange of gifts such as textiles, weapons, and livestock. Among the Batak people of North Sumatra, for instance, a groom’s family traditionally presents a ceremonial knife (piso), representing masculinity and protection, while the bride’s family reciprocates with a woven cloth (ulos), symbolizing warmth and continuity. These exchanges reinforce familial bonds and social hierarchy.
Economic Perspectives on Gifts in Indonesia
Gift-giving in Indonesia extends beyond personal relationships and serves as an economic tool. Among the Kapauku Papuans of Papua, gifts often blur the line between economic transactions and social obligations. These exchanges involve intricate moral and legal expectations, with cattle, shells, and traditional money (kapis) playing a vital role in economic stability and status-building.
The Enduring Significance of Gift Exchange in Indonesia
Whether in the form of wedding exchanges, economic transactions, or religious tributes, gifts continue to shape social interactions, economic relations, and political structures in Indonesia. This enduring tradition of reciprocal giving underscores the interconnectedness of material culture and societal harmony in Indonesia.