Visiting other people’s homes with gifts is a basic etiquette that has been established since ancient times. Just like during the Chinese New Year, even though relatives all say: "Why do you bring so many things when you come to my house? I have everything at home, don't bring any next time!" But they will definitely bring some gifts when they come to visit each other. This is not a question of whether it is necessary or not, but it reflects a person's etiquette cultivation, as well as his concern and blessing for the person being visited.
People's lives are getting better and better nowadays, and the average well-off family basically lacks everything. So how do you choose a gift for a visit so that it is timeless and meaningful?
China has a long cultural history of five thousand years and a profound cultural heritage that makes all of us Chinese proud. Therefore, items rich in traditional cultural meanings have always been loved and sought after by everyone. If you bring a gift with traditional cultural meaning when visiting your home, it will not only fulfill the etiquette, but also appear to be culturally competent, which will not only make you look good, but also make the other party happy. Wouldn't it be great to achieve four things with one stone?
There are many types of items rich in traditional cultural meanings with different styles. How to choose the right gift to give to the right person is also very particular. Below I will introduce a few items that I personally think are more practical, and I would like to invite you to comment on them.
Chinese tea ceremony culture has a long history. The poet Yuan Zhen of the Tang Dynasty wrote "A Poem of One to Seven Characters: Tea" to express his love and praise for tea.
Tea,
fragrant leaves, buds.
I admire poets and monks.
Carved white jade and woven red yarn.
The color of yellow pistils is fried in a saucepan, and the bowl is turned into dust flowers.
The queen of the night invites you to accompany the bright moon, and you face the morning glow alone.
I have washed away all the people of the past and present without getting tired, and I will know how to praise myself when I am drunk.
It can be seen that tea has always been favored by literati. It can be said to be a relatively high-end gift that can show taste. Moreover, tea is light, easy to transport and easy to store. In addition, Chinese families will basically prepare a pot of tea when entertaining guests during festivals. Having good tea will naturally bring more dignity, so tea is also very practical. If you want to give it to relatives, elders, bosses, etc., tea is very suitable.
Both calligraphy and ink painting have developed very prosperously in China. Many masters in history have been famous throughout the ages, leaving many top-notch calligraphy treasures that have been passed down to this day. Nowadays, there are many calligraphers and painters who insist on creating excellent works. Regardless of whether they can understand it or not, people highly respect traditional Chinese calligraphy and painting, especially some real literati. Therefore, calligraphy and painting are very suitable for people who love literature. They can be appreciated and used as decorations. It is a very elegant gift.
Because of the chants of literati, many plants have been given different meanings, such as plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum, which are called the "Four Gentlemen", implying noble moral character.
From ancient times to the present, potted plants have been a favorite home decoration, especially orchids. Because of their unique meaning and strong ornamental value, many people love orchids as much as their lives. Some rare plants Varieties can even sell for sky-high prices. As far as I can see, there are almost no homes that don’t keep potted plants. Many carefully planted potted plants represent various cultural meanings and demonstrate people's good wishes for life.
Potted plants are not only indoor decorations, but they can also green the environment and freshen the air. They are very practical. Therefore, potted plants are suitable for gifting to anyone, are not easy to make mistakes, and also express good wishes to the other person.
Ancient Chinese porcelain appeared very early. Its beauty and practicality are excellent. Like tea, it is an item that can represent Chinese characteristics. The English word CHINA for China is also the translated name for porcelain. When watching costume dramas, porcelain ornaments often appear in the homes of some princes and nobles. Such as the huge vase placed by the door of the living room, and the exquisite antique vase on the Duobao Pavilion in the study. All can reflect the important position of porcelain in daily life.
Therefore, it is also a good choice to choose some exquisite porcelain as door-to-door gifts.
Cheongsam is a popular women's clothing in modern times. It not only has strong national characteristics, but also embodies the elegance and femininity of Chinese women. Nowadays, cheongsam has become one of China's traditional clothing, with many new styles and changes, but what remains unchanged is its unique elegance and charm that belongs to Chinese women.
Cheongsam can not only be used as daily clothing, but can also be used to attend various public and grand banquets. It can not only show off the figure but also exude temperament. If it is given to female elders, cheongsam is definitely a very suitable and affordable gift.
Do these traditional cultural items introduced solve the problem of not knowing what gifts to give when you visit?