I have been asked to a REAL Chinese food New Year's Day Dinner by a Chinese worker that I work with, at his house. I am Caucasian and do not know the traditions of the meal and event. What should I bring to the dinner as a gift, Chinese wine? Jelly belly's? suggestions? Language is a real barrier, since they speak only the barest of English, but I am more up to that challenge than am I eating food that I can not identify. I am honored to have been invited and do not want to offend them with my clumsiness. I really need some help here.
2007-02-10 08:38:00 · 5 answers · asked by slo_i_go2 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Well, if your colleague has children, make sure to bring hongbaos (red packets) with some money in them. Even numbers are more auspicious, like $2 or $8. Also try and bring some oranges (again, even numbers are better). When accepting any gifts, be sure to accept it with both hands.
Be polite and respect anyone older than you. Don't wear black.
Some traditional beliefs:
-Even numbers like 8 (sounds like "fa", Chinese word for fortune or riches) are auspicious
-Black is an inauspicious color
-The older you are, the more respect you command.
-Youngers must listen to and obey the elders.
-Unmarried people will usually get hongbaos at CNY.
Why not do an online search for Chinese New Year Dinners? It could be useful.
2007-02-12 15:30:51 · answer #1 · answered by Maribel 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't have to bring anything. If you want to, Chinese wine is ok. If he has kids, you should give some lucky money. It's a Chinese tradition to give child lucky money during the spring festival(Chinese New Year) The money should be put in a small red envelop. It's not a must, but it'll be nice to do it.
During the dinner you should taste everything, more or less.
2007-02-12 20:04:43 · answer #2 · answered by nofj2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take them a rice cake that you buy in a Chinese Grocery store or restaurant. If you can't find a rice cake then almond cookies are good. You could take some expensive Sake, if you know they would like something like that. Even if you do not bring a gift I think they will be very happy to have you as their guest. I have been to several Chinese New YEars celebrations as the only causcasian in the room and they have always been most gracious even though I did not bring a gift.
2007-02-10 11:50:26 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bring them Mandarin oranges in even numbers (about 6 or 8 as these are auspicious numbers). Just act cool and eat whatever they serve you. If you don't think you like the dish, just don't eat it. They won't force you to. If you can't handle chopsticks, ask for knife and fork. Remember to remove your shoes when you enter their house. Relax; they might be more nervous than you. If you make any slips, just laugh or make a joke about it. They love Caucasians and their jokes. Don't wear white or black because they are inauspicious colors. Anything on the red or orange spectrum will be best.
2007-02-10 20:05:24 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
the only thing that i would add to these fine answers would be if your co-worker has children, give them a "gold" coin in a red envelope or box (purchase at any asian gift store). i give each of my vietnamese nieces and nephews a sacagewea dollar coin (among other gifts). even a chocolate coin is good. gold symbolizes prosperity , red brings luck in the coming year.
i don't know chinese customs, but the vietnamese don't make a big deal out of birthdays, christmas, ect. new year's is THE holiday. you should be honored to have been invited.
enjoy!
2007-02-11 02:44:50 · answer #5 · answered by rick m 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋