As you might imagine, Chinese culture is much different from Western cultures. Before taking off on the 13.5 hour direct flight, i printed out several pages with "helpful hints" and reminders about how to behave in China. Below are several of my favorites:
- Behavior: Do not try to become too friendly too soon.
- Behavior: It is considered improper to put your hand in your mouth.
- Behavior: Do not eat all of your meal. If you eat all of your meal, it will be assumed that you did not receive enough food and are still hungry.
- Behavior: The Chinese are not as understanding of drunk guests as the Japanese. If you feel you've had enough to drink, smile and politely indicate this to your host.
- Communications: Avoid telling American style jokes. Sometimes these jokes do not translate and can cause confusion or hurt feelings.
- Communications: Many Chinese will want to consult with the stars or wait for a lucky day before they make a decision.
- Communications: Do not use the word "comrade" to address others.
- Taboo: Under no circumstances should chopsticks be placed in rice standing up. This symbolizes death.
- Taboo: Never write anything in red ink
The Chinese character for "prosperity" composed of butterflies.Do not expect your gift to be opened in your presence.
This indicates that it is the thought that counts more than the material value.
Detail of "Prosperity" butterflies
This indicates that it is the thought that counts more than the material value.
Detail of "Prosperity" butterflies
2 comments:
Hey J5! Glad that you are enjoying Beijing, and I look forward to reading about your adventures there.
I was taught that you don't open gifts in front of the giver because you don't want the person to lose face if you don't like the gift (this presumes that you aren't good at lying/disguising the look of horror on your face).
I look forward to hearing more about your month in China.
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