Gifts

[Dragonsaver]

In China (I believe), everything done has a meaning. That includes gifts and the number of gifts and and and.

I just completed the part-time job I had. The Director made a point of telling me about the gifts the school was giving me. They had decided on 3 gifts.

A box of duck eggs and a large box of 'glutenous rice' the ones wrapped in the green leaves. They are in vacuum sealed packages with 3-4 in each package. These two gifts were chosen because it is traditional now just before the dragon boat races. The other gift was Wuxi Hui Shan Clay Figurines. The picture of the artist is with the gift. She made a point of telling me it was worth more than 200 RMB. She also suggested I should give my son that gift as a wedding present and it signified good luck.

I also received other gifts from the students, and again she made a point of counting how many gifts I got.

My Question: What is the significance of the 'number' of gifts??

or is there any signifigance.

I only ask because she made such a big deal about the numbers!

[Lotus Eater]

I haven't come across the number of gifts thing - but have fairly often received gifts. Generally there is very little ceremony in giving you gifts or you giving gifts, When I give gifts I generally out them in a corner and expect the recepients to 'find' them afterwards. Chinese people traditionally do not open gifts while you are there.

Maybe she was trying to impress on you that these gifts were expensive and therefore REALLY important??

[Mr Nobody]

Numbers are real important. I don't know what they mean though. It is a cultural thing. It is more important to give 3 things that are cheap than one that is expensive, especially money. 3 coins in a hong bao is better than one note worth many times its value, and one 100 (because it is red) is better than more of a different colour.

other than that, dunno.

[woza17]

DS maybe she was jsut trying to point out that the liked you. If they didn't like you. You would get bugger all.
"Don't look a gift horse in the mouth" What in bloody hell does that mean exactly?

[Hamish]

woza17 said:

Don't look a gift horse in the mouth" What in bloody hell does that mean exactly?

Literally, one determines the age of a horse by looking at its teeth. If someone is GIVING you a horse, don't check its age.

That is, don't closely inspect a gift in front of the donor, it is impolite.

Unless it is from George. In that case wear gloves, protective glasses, a breathing mask, and a codpiece.

[Dragonsaver]

woza17 said:

DS maybe she was jsut trying to point out that the liked you. If they didn't like you. You would get bugger all.

Yes, I know they liked me. It was just that she kept emphasizing that the Director had decided to give me 3 gifts. So I just wanted to know the significance of the # of gifts.
I was also extremely surprised to receive anything. I sure didn't expect a gift let alone 3. I also received gifts from the students.

It was a part-time job. It was only 10 days over the last 3 months. They treated me extremely well. I was very lucky to have a job like this. I was picked up by a driver, they gave me breakfast, lunch and supper (including beer), and they drove me back to my residence. Plus they paid me too!! (Cash each week) (They also gave me an awesome letter of reference!)

[Hamish]

I found this at www.crossculturalreferencelibrary.edu.com.cn

Chinese Gift — Ideas Based on Legend

The Chinese have a tradition for giving gifts wrapped in red packets. A red packet or red envelope is simply a red envelope with money in it, often decorated with lucky symbols, which symbolize luck and wealth. It is called Hong Bao in Chinese.

Traditionally red packets are handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Chinese New Year. They are also popular gifts for weddings and birthdays. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers has become popular.

In the post revolutionary era (after 1955) with the addition of larger numbers of foreign teachers and other "experts" to China a new pattern developed. If a school, or other organization, gives one gift of substantial value, it is intended to communicate a desire to have the foreigner stay, or return soon.

Two gifts are a proposal of marriage on the part of the gift giver, or that person's patron.

Rarely, three gifts are given and, when extended, are a polite way of saying that one will not be missed and that all are velly, velly grad to see you go you round eyed prick.

[Dr. Gonzo]

That should be "plick".
As in "evely time I see a plitty girl, I have an election".

To add, if they give you 4 gifts [si] they want you dead, as in "Wo xiang rang ni si".

In reality, don't worry about it.

[DollyODear]

Speaking of gifts, I want to give gifts for some of the people at my school when I leave. (This is Boland, where I am getting my TEFL Diploma) Mr. Shee is the guy who turns the little key that winds up the universe. It would totally collapse without him. Colleen is the secretary, and just sweet and lovely. Ivana is the administrator, a quiet angel. The instructors get plenty of strokes.

Any suggestions?

[Hamish]

Get 'em a massage, with release.

[Dragonsaver]

Dolly

Something you brought from USAnia. It doesn't have to be expensive. Key chain, pictures etc.

[Stil]

mengmary said:

Dolly

Something you brought from USAnia.

No, no, no. Get them something good, like Canadian flags

Edit: Whoops, spelled Canadian wrong, too used to Canukistan

[Lotus Eater]

Something from home is good, but if you have run out of those things usually baijiu, nice tea or cigarettes are acceptable gifts.

[Dragonsaver]

stil said:

mengmary said:

Dolly

Something you brought from USAnia.

No, no, no. Get them something good, like Canadian flags

Edit: Whoops, spelled Canadian wrong, too used to Canukistan

NO, I give stuff from Canukistan, Dolly is from USAnia so she gives stuff from USAnia

[Stil]

mengmary said:

NO, I give stuff from Canukistan, Dolly is from USAnia so she gives stuff from USAnia

I know Dolly is from Usania, but I'm just trying to help her. Imagine the look of disappointment on their faces when they receive something from Usania. Now compare that with looks of unbridled joy when getting something Canukistanian.

[Dragonsaver]

stil said:

mengmary said:

NO, I give stuff from Canukistan, Dolly is from USAnia so she gives stuff from USAnia

I know Dolly is from Usania, but I'm just trying to help her. Imagine the look of disappointment on their faces when they receive something from Usania. Now compare that with looks of unbridled joy when getting something Canukistanian.

Yes. VERY VERY TRUE

[Loops]

I third that truthful remark!

Long live maple syrup and backbacon!!

[Newbs]

This is some North American thing that those of us born and bred in the best hemisphere can only wonder at.

Something from home is good

Lotus has the right idea, get 'em some Vegemite.

[Stil]

newbs said:

Lotus has the right idea, get 'em some Vegemite.

I agree, scrape the bottom of a shoe and give it to them. I'm sure that it comes from Oz will be well appreciated. Much cleaner than the local variety.

[mermaid56]

baijiu and cigarettes go against my grain, (so to speak) I give imported (yes from the USA) fruit baskets. THere is a nice shop in the town nearby that makes them up. fruit is always an appropriate gift, as is candy..........

[woza17]

DS what about a lot of A4 glossies of yourself signed with a testimonial of how good the school was. With an eagle and panda embracing each other or shaking a paw and wing as a little logo.

[DollyODear]

thanks youse guys. don't know what I would do whitout yas

[Mr Nobody]

That's good, Woza. Now, who do I know that can draw . . . .

[woza17]

I wish I could draw it would be such an asset in the classroom.
I draw something to help the children to understand the word then I end up explaining for half an hour that no it is not a rat it is a kangaroo. Then I have to end up hopping around the classroom pulling joeys out of the front of my pants. I am sure the little buggers understand and are just seeing how far I will go

[nolefan]

woza17 said:

I wish I could draw it would be such an asset in the classroom.
I draw something to help the children to understand the word then I end up explaining for half an hour that no it is not a rat it is a kangaroo. Then I have to end up hopping around the classroom pulling joeys out of the front of my pants. I am sure the little buggers understand and are just seeing how far I will go

maybe it's your imitation of a kangaroo that is a bit lacking. I'm sure we can try and give some constructive comments about it should you post a video of you doing the deed..