Christmas is coming and, like every year, we are dealing with exchanging gifts, dinners with friends or colleagues and more or less social occasions. Situations that are often characterized by consolidated rituals and traditions, which can vary from country to country.
For example, do you know what to behave if you are abroad and have been invited to a dinner at home? What is best to bring as a gift to the hosts to thank them for their hospitality? And, above all, what is best not to bring, to avoid unpleasant episodes?
When you find yourself in another country, or perhaps on another continent, dealing with a culture different from your own, you need to keep in mind that some behaviors that are acceptable or desirable at home may not have the same impact. And even a gift given with the best intentions risks turning into a gaffe if you don’t know the local etiquette.
Here is a brief review of the gifts that are recommended or not recommended if you are traveling around the world and have received an invitation to dinner.
Russia
Chocolate, wine or liqueurs are appreciated gifts, while vodka is best avoided. Flowers are also appropriate, as long as they are not white or yellow. It is possible that, when presenting a gift, there are some “ritual” skirmishes: the host could initially refuse it, and then accept it if the guest renews the offer.
United States
Bringing some wine or chocolate is a great choice. A dessert is also appropriate, but only if you have previously agreed with the master or hostess of the house. Among the most appreciated gifts there are also flowers (especially if already in pots), house plants and baskets of fruit or food products.
Brazil
The hosts will greatly appreciate your gift if you bring flowers, chocolate, good wine, whiskey or books. It is better to avoid colors such as purple and black, which recall mourning (as do handkerchiefs…), and “sharp” gifts – those knives, paper cutters and scissors – which symbolize the severing of a bond and which are therefore not frowned upon. Jewellery, key rings or perfumes are valid gifts only if you know the recipient well: among strangers they would be considered excessively personal gifts. Usually, gifts are unwrapped as soon as they are received.
China
The exchange of gifts follows a very precise protocol. Gifts should be wrapped in plain paper, which can be red, gold, yellow or pink. Avoid, however, blue, white, gray and black, which refer to mourning. Watches, cut flowers, straw sandals and handkerchiefs are also connected with funeral rites and, consequently, are not recommended, as are all sharp objects. Gifts should not be delivered in groups of four, as this number is considered unlucky. A good gift idea is food baskets. Gifts are given and received using both hands and are not opened immediately. It is customary for a gift to be rejected several times before being accepted.
France
Chocolate, quality wine and flowers are great options. With some reservations: never give thirteen flowers, since the number is considered unlucky, and avoid white flowers (wedding), lilies and chrysanthemums (mourning) and red carnations (ill-will, rancor). Gifts are usually opened immediately.
Germany
Chocolate, wine and flowers are once again great choices. But, here too, with some small precautions. If you choose wine, it must be of excellent quality and, preferably, Italian or French, while if you opt for flowers it is better to avoid red roses (love), carnations (mourning), lilies and chrysanthemums (funerals). A bouquet of yellow flowers is ideal. The gifts, which must be carefully wrapped, are generally opened as soon as they are received.
Japan
The exchange of gifts is based on a centuries-old and solid tradition. Keep in mind that the presentation of the gift, both from the point of view of the courtesy shown by the person giving it and the quality of the wrapping, is more important than its value. Quality cakes, chocolate or fruit are good choices. Flowers are also suitable, as long as lilies, camellias, lotuses and other white flowers, commonly associated with funeral rites, are avoided. It is better to avoid potted plants, considered a bad omen, with the exception of bonsai, which are instead appreciated. Finally, be careful not to give your gifts in groups of four or nine, as they are considered unlucky numbers. And, for gift paper, prefer pastel shades. Gifts are given and received with both hands and are opened in private.
South Korea
In South Korea, bringing a gift when invited home is considered an essential gesture of respect. Packaged sweets, quality fruit, tea, coffee or typical products from your country are highly appreciated. Foreign wine or spirits are also welcome, as long as they are not cheap bottles. It is better to avoid too personal objects such as perfumes or accessories, and above all anything that recalls the number 4, considered unlucky due to its association with death. Also avoid handkerchiefs, white flowers or sharp objects. Gifts are always given and received with both hands and, as in China and Japan, they are not opened immediately so as not to embarrass the person giving them. A peculiarity: if you are given something upon arrival, it is polite to mention a small formal refusal before accepting.
India
Flowers are an excellent choice, as long as you avoid white ones, which are connected to funeral rites. It must be remembered to never give leather objects to Hindus or pork products to Muslims and not to use wrapping paper decorated with animals, especially pigs and dogs, which could be considered impure. When in doubt, it is preferable to opt for a plain, green, yellow or red paper, avoiding black and white instead. The gifts are never opened in the presence of the person who brought them.
England
Flowers, chocolate and wine are great options. It is better to avoid white lilies, which are also associated with funeral rites here. Gifts are usually opened immediately.
Mexico
Flowers and sweets are, as in the vast majority of cases, winning choices. Better to choose white flowers, which are usually very popular, instead staying away from red flowers, which have a negative connotation, and marigolds, which recall death and mourning. Gifts are generally opened as soon as they are received.
Norway
Imported desserts, wines, chocolates, liqueurs and spirits are great choices. Flowers are also fine, always in odd numbers and as long as carnations, lilies and white flowers, usually associated with funerals, are avoided. Wildflowers and houseplants are excellent choices, while wreaths of flowers or leaves should be avoided, even at Christmas, because they recall funeral rites. Gifts are opened immediately.
Egypt
Chocolate, sweets and pastries are great choices if you show up at the home of an Egyptian family. However, flowers should be avoided, generally given on the occasion of weddings or when visiting a sick person. Gifts must be carried with the right hand or, if heavy, with both hands and will be unwrapped later, in private.
Canada
Here too, chocolate, wine or a good liqueur are valid options. If you choose flowers, it is best to avoid chrysanthemums and lilies, which are generally used for funerals, and red roses, which symbolize romantic love. Gifts are usually unwrapped when received.
Chile
If you are invited to someone’s home, bringing a gift is a must. Flowers, wine and chocolate are excellent choices, while trying to avoid colors such as yellow (which can indicate disdain or contempt), purple and black (which recall mourning). As in Brazil, it is best to avoid sharp and sharp objects. Gifts must be carefully packaged and will be unwrapped as soon as they are received.
