I'm white, my fiance is chinese. I will meet her mother soon for the first time and want to give a gift but I'm not sure what. Are there any proper cultural traditions to follow. Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks!
2006-09-01 17:35:42 · 8 answers · asked by 46&2 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
Bow when you meet her, and when you leave. Show respect for her daughter as well.
2006-09-01 17:37:34 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
For the first meeting give her a GOOD piece of fruit.
The second time you see her give her a nice bowl or dish - not too large and not too extravagant, but nice - just expensive enough to show her that you respect her daughter.
Finally, the third gift should be an excellent meal - NOT CHINESE. Take her and her daughter out to a nice restaurant and make certain that the food is properly prepared and the presentation and service impressive.
Please, do not attempt to 'act' Chinese; do not bow, do not touch her and do not assume that she does not like you.
If she reaches out for your hand, take it. If she slurps her food, understand that it is good food. If she leaves you alone with her daughter, understand that she approves of you.
Mainly; relax.
Buy a nice piece of fruit, give it to her with both of your hands as an offering and leave the rest to the gods. Or god, if she happens to be Presbyterian!
PS - have you asked your girlfriend this question?
2006-09-02 02:24:36 · answer #2 · answered by Temple 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm only a student of mandarin..but depending on just how chinese your girlfriends mother is...there are a few things I do know....1. don't give her a watch or clock...because the pronounciation is similar to hoping that she'll pass away soon. 2. try to avoid giving her anything to do with the #4 because si four is also si the word for death
But you really should talk to someone chinese about this...the colour or meaning of different things can be offensive....and 1 more rule I know...don't hug or kiss her..just shake hands...wish I could be of more help to you
2006-09-02 00:48:06 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Don't bow-that's japanese. How about giving her something that represents your cultural background. When I first met my cantonese mother in law I didn't bring anything and she liked me anyway.
2006-09-02 00:45:05 · answer #4 · answered by phoephus 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe a Mah Jong set.
A word of advise from a white guy who married a chinese woman: don't do it.
2006-09-02 00:40:34 · answer #5 · answered by David S 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
DON'T give her a clock, whatever you do. and make it something bright, maybe red, and cheery =) have fun! ooo nice fruits are always good - like a big box of fresh asian pears or something.
2006-09-02 00:42:22 · answer #6 · answered by tell me all!!! 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
an eletric vibrator at least 10 inches
2006-09-02 00:52:07 · answer #7 · answered by DAVID G 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A rice cooker. No I don't know lol.
2006-09-02 00:37:59 · answer #8 · answered by Rj 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋