Chinese New Year, also known as CNY, is a significant and widely celebrated festival in various parts of the world. Gift-giving is an integral part of Chinese New Year celebrations, symbolising goodwill, luck, and prosperity.
In this blog, we will explore the gifts to avoid giving during Chinese New Year and suggest better alternatives that businesses can consider. Whether you’re a business owner or marketer, understanding the cultural significance and marketing opportunities of Chinese New Year gifts can help you promote your brand’s values effectively.
Inauspicious Chinese New Year Gifts To Avoid
During Chinese New Year, there are certain gifts that are considered inauspicious and should be avoided. These gifts include:
1. Clocks
As the word for “clock” (钟 zhōng) in Chinese sounds similar to the word for “funeral” (终 zhōng), it is believed that giving a clock as a gift sends a negative message, symbolising the end of relationships or indicating that time is running out.
2. Mirrors
Presenting or receiving mirrors as gifts is considered unlucky.
In line with the principles of traditional Chinese Feng Shui, the incorrect placement of mirrors within a household may invite negative energies.
Additionally, due to their fragility, gifting mirrors symbolize potential fractures in relationships.
3. Sets of 4s
The number 4 is considered unlucky in Chinese culture because the pronunciation of the number “four” (四 sì) is similar to the word for “death” (死 sǐ).
Therefore, giving items in sets of four, such as four identical objects or packaging gifts in sets of four, is considered inauspicious during Chinese New Year.
4. Black Coloured Items
While black is commonly associated with mourning and funerals in many cultures, it is particularly important to avoid gifting items in the colour black during Chinese New Year.
Black is seen as a symbol of bad luck and is usually avoided during celebratory occasions.
5. Shoes
Generally avoided as gifts during Chinese New Year, the word “shoe” (鞋 xié) in Chinese sounds similar to the word for “evil” (邪 xié). Thus, giving someone shoes is believed to bring bad luck or negative energy.
Furthermore, there is a belief that presenting shoes as a gift suggests that the recipient may “walk out on you.” This practice should be avoided, especially during a holiday that revolves around fostering and cherishing familial bonds.
6. Sharp Items
Sharp objects such as knives, scissors, or any other cutting tools should be strictly avoided as gifts during Chinese New Year as they are associated with cutting or severing relationships, which goes against the spirit of harmony and unity that is emphasised during the festival.
7. Pears
Offering fruits is generally positive, yet presenting pears is discouraged.
In Chinese culture, the word for ‘pears’ (梨 lí /lee/) sounds akin to the word for ‘parting’ or ‘leaving’ (离 lí), which is associated with ill fortune.
8. Umbrella
Gifting umbrellas is ill-advised due to a linguistic association in Chinese culture.
The word for ‘umbrella’ sounds similar to the word for ‘breaking up’, potentially implying a sense of relationship dissolution when presenting such a gift.
9. Wallets
In Chinese tradition, offering a wallet as a gift symbolizes the potential loss of one’s finances and luck.
Nonetheless, gifting a wallet to a spouse or another family member who already shares financial accounts is considered acceptable, as the symbolic implications of giving away money are mitigated by the shared financial bond.
10. Scented Candles
Candles commonly accompany offerings for the deceased in Chinese traditions.
Consequently, regardless of whether they are flameless, scented, or regular, candles are unsuitable as gifts due to their association with rituals for the departed.
The Significance of Gifts During CNY
Gift-giving during Chinese New Year holds deep cultural significance. It is a great way to show appreciation, love, and respect to family members, friends, and business associates. Seen as a token of goodwill, gifts are believed to bring luck and blessings to both the giver and receiver.
Traditional gifts like mandarin oranges and red envelopes symbolise luck and prosperity, while personalised gifts add a personal touch. Incorporating meaningful gifts fosters strong relationships and demonstrates understanding of Chinese culture.
Understanding the significance of gifts during Chinese New Year is crucial for making meaningful connections. By choosing gifts that align with customs and traditions, you can enhance the festive atmosphere and leave a lasting impression.
Appropriate Chinese New Year Gifts
To ensure your gifts are appropriate and well-received during Chinese New Year, consider alternative gift ideas. Instead of the inauspicious gifts mentioned earlier, opt for items that symbolise good luck, prosperity, and positive energy.
A traditional and highly symbolic gift during Chinese New Year, these small red packets usually contain money and are given to children, family members, and friends to wish them luck, prosperity, and good fortune in the coming year. Red envelopes symbolise blessings and are a way to share wealth and spread positive energy during the festive season.
Take this opportunity to brand some red envelopes with your brand’s message, logo etc. As these packets will be distributed to numerous people, you will gain brand exposure.
Acknowledging the significance of red packets during Chinese New Year, gifting red envelope holders will be a seamless blend of tradition with modern utility. Beyond being practical accessories, these holders become cherished keepsakes, extending your brand exposure as symbols of good fortune, prosperity, and the festive spirit, making them a culturally resonant and impactful gift choice.
In Mandarin, the word for “orange” (橙 chéng) sounds similar to the word for “success” (成 chéng). As tradition goes, the exchanging or gifting of oranges or tangerines is an expression of your wishes for a successful and prosperous year ahead for the recipient. Additionally, their vibrant orange colour and round shape represent wealth, good luck, and abundance.
Use this chance to add your own spin to it! Mandarin orange plushies branded with your logo or simply prints of mandarin oranges could be an interesting idea. Do note that oranges should be given in pairs!
Tea plays an important cultural role in Chinese traditions, and gifting tea sets during Chinese New Year is a thoughtful and meaningful gesture. Symbolising harmony, tranquillity, and good relationships, tea is a way to bring people together and create a sense of connection.
A beautifully packaged tea set can be a symbol of sharing moments of serenity and enjoying quality time with loved ones during the festive season.
Traditional Chinese decorations, such as paper lanterns, Chinese knots, couplets, and festive banners, add a festive and auspicious touch to homes during Chinese New Year. These decorations are often gifted to friends, family, or business partners to bring luck, happiness, and prosperity. They also serve as visual reminders of the joyous occasion and can help create a festive atmosphere.
Design some with your brand’s mascot or logo to benefit from these high exposure decorations. Your brand will be seen by visitors and guests which would increase your brand awareness as well.
A creative and effective way to make a lasting impression and strengthen brand loyalty during Chinese New Year. These could include customised calendars, red packets, Ang Pow holders, or other items that incorporate your brand’s logo or message.
By personalising the gifts, you show thoughtfulness and attention to detail, which are highly appreciated during this special time of the year.
Red is considered a lucky and auspicious colour in Chinese culture and is strongly associated with Chinese New Year celebrations. Gifting red items, such as clothing, accessories, or home décor, symbolises good luck, happiness, and prosperity for the recipient.
It is also believed to ward off evil spirits and bring positive energy, making it a popular choice during this festive season.
What are some Marketing Advantages of Providing Promotional Chinese New Year Gifts?
1. Boost Brand Awareness:
Chinese New Year gifts act as brand ambassadors, creating lasting impressions during this festive season. The positive associations forged through thoughtful gifts ensure your logo and name linger in the minds of recipients.
2. Enhance Customer Loyalty:
Thoughtful gifts convey gratitude, strengthening the bond between your brand and customers. This act of appreciation translates into enhanced customer loyalty, encouraging repeat business and positive word-of-mouth recommendations.
3. Build Positive Brand Associations:
Aligning your brand with cultural traditions showcases a deep understanding and respect for Chinese customs. This association fosters a positive brand image, contributing to long-term brand reputation and customer trust.
4. Expand Marketing Reach:
Festive gatherings during Chinese New Year provide the perfect platform for your promotional gifts to shine. Shared among friends and family, your gifts extend your marketing reach organically, potentially converting new customers and increasing brand visibility.
5. Demonstrate Cultural Sensitivity:
Gifting during Chinese New Year goes beyond the material – it signifies cultural awareness and sensitivity. This demonstration of understanding fosters trust and rapport with your audience, leading to positive word-of-mouth marketing and strengthened customer relationships.
6. Stand Out from Competitors:
Incorporating unique Chinese New Year gifts sets your brand apart from the competition. By offering distinctive items that resonate with the festive spirit, you capture attention, making your brand memorable and creating a positive brand experience.
7. Emotional Engagement:
Harness the joyous spirit of the holiday to evoke emotions of happiness and goodwill. This emotional engagement goes beyond transactional interactions, building stronger connections with your audience. These emotional ties translate into increased customer loyalty and higher lifetime value for your brand.
More CNY Insights For You:
From understanding the cultural significance of dragons to limited-edition releases and customisation options, learn how to make your brand stand out during the festive season.
Discover the importance of planning for the Chinese New Year shutdown and learn about the key dates and considerations for factory production during this festive period.
Uncover the symbolic significance of chopsticks in Chinese culture and how utilising chopsticks as promotional items can bring luck and prosperity to your business during Chinese New Year.
Let’s discover how Chinese New Year started and how it is celebrated.
To Conclude
Chinese New Year is a time of celebration and showing appreciation, offering businesses an opportunity to connect with customers on a deeper level. By providing thoughtful and culturally appropriate gifts, you can reinforce your brand’s values and build stronger relationships with your target audience.
Why ODM?
At The ODM Group, we are passionate about crafting unique promotional products that engage customers and enhance brand image. Our team has extensive experience in sourcing and manufacturing; we can help you design and source high-quality and effective custom promotional merchandise.
In addition, we offer other services such as quality control, factory auditing, and shipping to ensure the quality and standard of the end products are top-notch.
Chinese New Year Gifts FAQs
All you need to know about Chinese New Year Gifts!
Why are certain gifts considered inauspicious during Chinese New Year?
Certain gifts carry negative connotations or are associated with funerals, farewells, or bad luck, making them unsuitable for Chinese New Year festivities.
What do traditional Chinese New Year gifts symbolise?
Traditional Chinese New Year gifts symbolise positive wishes and blessings such as luck, prosperity, good health, and happiness.
How can businesses personalise gift-giving during Chinese New Year?
Businesses can customise gifts with their branding, incorporate traditional Chinese New Year symbols or greetings, and personalise messages to add a personal touch.
