Culture Insider: Taboos in gift-giving

Updated: 2015-02-02 07:00

(Chinaculture.org)

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2. No umbrellas or pears for lovers

Culture Insider: Taboos in gift-giving

[Photo/Ecns.cn]

Umbrella pronounced as "San" and pear pronounced as "Li" in Chinese, both mean "separation". So it's inappropriate to give lovers umbrellas and pears, because it will seem like you want them to be separated. Also, don't give your friends umbrellas as a gift; it is not a good symbol of friendship. Of course, the timely act of giving someone an umbrella on a rainy day can be an exception.