Chinese People & Our Customs
It is important to know the different Chinese customs and social ettiquette. Whether you are attempting to clinch that important business deal or just meeting Chinese people, it is useful to understand the Chinese way of doing things. We as individuals are often very set in our ways in dealing with situations, and sometimes forget that there are so many different cultures around and so likely more than a hundred ways of dealing with the same situation. It is also useful to remind ourselves that being different is not bad, just different.
At Red Crane, we conduct company or private classes in Cross Cultural Training. Ranging from 2 1/2 hours to a full day comprehensive course, learn the 'dos' and 'dont's' when meeting a Chinese person, giving gifts , eating at a banquet, and more. Classes are conducted to suit an individual's needs.
Giving Gifts
When giving gifts, it is useful to know that Chinese people do not often open gifts straight away as this is seen as impolite. So don't get too upset if a Chinese person receives your gift and puts it away immediately. The following are a few 'No, no' objects that we recommend you take note of when choosing gifts: Scissors & Knives - they connote a severing of ties. Clock - In Chinese, "Giving a Clock" sounds like "Attending a Funeral". Plum Blossoms - The Chinese word for plum 'Mei' also sounds like the word for 'Bad Luck'.
Traditional Birthday Celebrations
Traditionally, birthdays were only celebrated from the age of 60 onwards. It was a belief that if anyone celebrated his/her birthday before then, it would shorten their lives. This was because the Heavenly Stems & Earthly Branches reached full cycle in 60 years. So if you were fortunate enough to reach 60, you were considered to be no ordinary person. People who have reached this age automatically command respect. We have a saying that an aged person is like a jewel in the family.
During birthday celebrations, it was usual to bring 2 to 4 gifts ranging from eggs, peaches, wine and red packets ( which contain money ). Wine is most common as a gift because its pronunciation is exactly the same as for the word 'longevity'. Longevity noodles are also often eaten during these birthday celebrations and one usually tries to take care not to cut the strands whilst eating.