23.accept, avoid, clean, guest, host, invite, luck, polite, receive, show, similar, they |
Whether it is for a special festival, to express thanks or to just let someone know that you care about them, giving gifts is a common custom. There may be (1)
in the purpose of giving gifts, but the traditions are different from country to country. A gift of respect (尊敬) in one place may be considered (2)
in another. Let's take a look at three special gift-giving traditions.
India
If you (3)
to someone's home in India, you should bring a small gift, whether it's a box of chocolates or some flowers. Gifts shouldn't be put in black or white colors, because they are considered (4)
. Instead, use bright colors such as green, red or yellow. When giving money for any event, it should have an odd number value such as 1, 3, 5, 7... That's believed to bring good luck. For the host, instead of receiving a gift with both hands, Indians generally only use their right hand because left hands are considered (5)
. This exactly has something to do with the using of left hand when in the washroom.
Japan
For most Japanese, the manner of giving presents is more important than the gifts (6)
. The correct way is to give or receive gifts with both hands. (7)
politeness and thanks, those who are getting the gift may turn it down once or twice before finally (8)
it. Every gift should be put in a good box. That's because uncovered gifts are considered not good. They should give gifts in pairs, (9)
four just like in China. Lucky numbers also include eight. Eight is said to bring the luck to get success, especially in the hope of making a large amount of money.
Native America
While it may be common for guests to prepare gifts for hosts, this is different in Native American communities. From weddings to birthday celebrations, (10)
are the ones who receive gifts. Gifts are usually homemade arts and works — made by hand to show love, care, and thanks.