Giving a gift to your couple is a common and normal thing and even becomes a must thing to do especially during some special festival such as Valentine’s day. However, choosing a present would be challenging because some people may emphasise on the practicality, while others just prefer a sense of ritual. Additionally, there are several items that you should avoid as gift for your couple in Chinese culture.
Umbrella
The umbrella sounds like “scattered” in Chinese, which is relatively unlucky because it brings the meaning of break up. Hence, it is said that sending a umbrella is bringing a bad meaning to the couple.
Shoe
In Chinese, ‘sending shoes’ sounds the same as ‘send evil’. In addition, shoes have been used to walk, so, sending shoes means sending your couple to walk away from you, which represents separation from each other. Consequently, shoes should be avoided to be a gift for your couple.
Clock
Similarly, ‘sending clock’ brings the unlucky connotation because it sounds the same as ‘to end’ in Chinese. In other words, it means that the relationship between the couple will ‘come to an end’.
Handkerchief
Handkerchiefs are handed to the funeral attendees by the bereaved family in Chinese tradition, therefore, sending a handkerchief as gift-giving would be a bad meaning in general.
Wind Chime
The pronunciation of wind chime in Chinese is the same as ‘separation’ which implies that the couples would go on in the long run. Hence, it should be avoid as gift to your couple.
Candle
Traditionally, candles are used to worship the dead in Chinese culture, especially white candles. As a result, it must not be used as a gift to the other because it symbolises unlucky.
