My landlords are Chinese & don't know my grandad died. How to respond to the fruit & $$ they gave for CNY?

Question

It's supposed to be bad luck to talk about death and funerals during Chinese New Year celebration. Especially to bring it into someone's home. Well, I LIVE in their home. Normally I give them fruit, to which they respond w/ fruit and money, but this time I gave nothing, *because* I don't want to bring bad luck to them. But they pulled the first punch! And now, at the risk of looking rude, do I just respond empty-handed with a "Thank You"? Or can I give them oranges?? I'm so stuck being an ABC...

Answer 1

Tell them, thank you, and give them a little gift. When the festivities are over, you can tell them about your loss and they will no doubt be very undertstanding.

Answer 2

I agree with the other responses. Can you wait until the celebrations are over before telling them of your loss? I think you can give them oranges or whatever is suitable for CNY. When is your grandad's funeral? Do they know him? If so, they may want to know that in case they want to attend services.

Overall, I think they will be very understanding.

Answer 3

SAy "Thank You" and give them some oranges, a small gift, or whatever you are supposed to do in return. Tell them about your Grandad's death after the celebrations.

Answer 4

Is it possible for you to talk to someone who has knoweldge about this culture? Maybe you can go to the local college or univerisity and talk with a professor? I don't want to suggest you talk to someone from that culture if it is bad luck, but maybe if you are good friends with someone you can warn them before hand and then ask if you can still talk about it with them. It seems appropriate to get advice from someone who has experience and not from random people.

Answer 5

Just say thank you

Answer 6

Slap them.