Comments on: A Chinese Christmas Gift

By: Zhongguoist

Zhongguoist — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 03:52:59 +0000

Yuefei, for people who I am close to I hate the idea of giving cash for the holidays. I was explaining this to some chinese people on a train how cash is a bit impersonal. If someone gave me cash I might end up saving it while if someone bought me a present that I really wanted but thought was too much to buy for myself, I’d be really happy. It feels a bit almost vulgar giving money as a present. I can’t really explain it properly.

My sister was born Year of the Rat but all my Chinese friends have been saying to me that your birth year is really unlucky for you. It’s a bit weird as you’d think it’d be good luck for you but they sincerely insisted that it’s the worst year for you and you have to give someone red underwear(or Jade on a red string) to improve that person’s luck. And they can’t buy it themself.

By: Josh

Josh — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 01:20:44 +0000

A reader pointed out that part of the appeal of this gift is giving it to people who were born in the year of the rat, since that’s what 2008 is. I guess it shows you that foreigners still miss obvious aspects of Chinese culture.

By: Yuefei

Yuefei — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 01:02:07 +0000

I ran into these too; the post office in front of Tim’s BBQ in Beijing is selling these. I might be an American, but I think we should take a lesson from the Chinese here and start giving cash for the holidays! If anyone from my family is reading this, please try for RMB notes this year. These are preferable to greenbacks.

By: Richard

Richard — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:20:30 +0000

Brilliant! The Chinese pet rock!

By: Lisa

Lisa — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:01:24 +0000

Hey Josh - I came upon your blog as I was doing some research on teaching in China. I was wondering if one Brooklynite could help another. There ae just so many organizations and programs to choose from and I don’t know anyone who has participated in any of them so I was wondering if you might be able to recommend a few. Also - what did you think of Chengdu? There was a program that was located there but I don’t know much about any of the other cities in China (besides Shanghai, Beijing, Xian, Nanjing..). I’ll be doing my own research, of course, but it would be really helpful to some real insight. Thanks in advance!