A Guide to Foreign Gift-Giving
COUNTRY OR REGION ITEMS TO AVOID CHINA Clocks: The Mandarin word for clock is similar to the word for death. Handkerchiefs signify sadness. EUROPE Red roses suggest a romantic interest. Also, an even number of flowers or 13 represent bad luck. INDIA Leather: The cow is sacred to observant Hindus. Black-and-white gift wrap is considered unlucky. JAPAN White gift wrap and four of anything are associated with death. LATIN AMERICA Knives and letter openers symbolize the severing of ties. Certain kinds signify mourning.
Updated June 14, 1997 by bwwebmaster
Copyright 1996, Bloomberg L.P.