Giving gifts

Gift giving, an act of showing gratitude and affection, holds immense importance in Vietnamese culture. Understanding the customs and traditions associated with gifting in Vietnam is crucial to ensure that the gesture is well-received and appreciated. In this article, we will unravel the intricate art of gift giving in Vietnam, providing insights into various occasions and the appropriate gifts to offer.

Gifting Customs for Holidays

Holidays in Vietnam are cherished social events where people express gratitude and respect towards their loved ones. Each holiday holds its unique significance, requiring careful consideration while choosing gifts.

Tet Holiday

Tet holiday, the most significant event in Vietnam, marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year. Gift-giving during this time holds great significance. Consider the following traditional gifts when celebrating Tet.

Peach Blossom, Mai Flower, and Kumquat Trees: Symbols of Prosperity

Peach blossom, mai flower, and kumquat trees are revered symbols of the new year's arrival. These plants are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. Offering a small or large pot of kumquat, depending on the space available to the recipient, is highly appreciated.

Wine Bottles: Toasting to Good Fortune

The exchange of liquor is a long-standing tradition in Vietnamese culture. A bottle of rượu thuốc (traditional liquor) holds great value as a gift during Tet. Red wine has gained popularity as a preferred choice of alcohol over the past three decades, making it an excellent option for the occasion.

Tea: Nurturing Bonds over a Cup

Sharing a cup of tea is a customary practice in Vietnamese households during the new year. Presenting a premium bag of tea accentuates the gift giver's courtesy and thoughtfulness. Green tea, Oolong tea, or delicately lotus-wrapped tea are ideal choices for gifting.

Assorted Jam: Wishing Abundance

A box of assorted jam is a symbolic gift exchanged during Tet, signifying a wish for an abundant year. The quintessential pentagon-shaped jam box remains a prominent feature on family altars during the holiday. Winter melon, carrot, coconut, kumquat, candied peanuts, and occasionally a chocolate gold coin are commonly included in this classic assortment.

Gift Baskets and Sets: Endless Options

As living standards improve, gift options have expanded beyond traditional choices. Gift baskets and sets offer a wide range of possibilities, including confectionery, wine, tea, and imported fruits. These thoughtfully curated bundles make exquisite and valuable gifts for loved ones during Tet.

Mid-Autumn Festival

The Mid-Autumn Festival, celebrated nationwide between September and October, is a time of joy and unity. During this festival, two prominent gift options are highly regarded.

Mooncakes: Symbolic Delicacies

Mooncakes hold a special place in the hearts of Vietnamese people during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Adults often seek quality mooncakes to gift their loved ones. These delectable treats are typically presented in a beautifully packaged box, usually accompanied by premium tea.

Traditional Toys for Children: Nurturing Heritage

In recent years, there has been a resurgence in gifting traditional toys to children during the Mid-Autumn Festival. These vibrantly colored, hand-crafted toys serve as a means to preserve cultural heritage. Embracing these age-old playthings not only brings joy to the younger generation but also fosters a connection to Vietnamese traditions.

Gifting Customs for Public Ceremonies

While not as grand as national holidays, public ceremonies in Vietnam provide opportunities for gift giving. Consider the following occasions when choosing appropriate gifts.

Women's Day

Honoring the Women in Your Life

Vietnamese celebrate two Women's Days: International Women's Day on March 8th and Vietnamese Women's Day on October 20th. Expressing gratitude and admiration for women's contributions can be done through various means:

• Preparing delicious meals for mothers

• Offering a rejuvenating spa day

• Presenting beautiful flowers as a token of appreciation

Children's Day

Nurturing Young Minds

On June 1st, Children's Day in Vietnam is celebrated with various events, including book fairs and traditional toy showcases. Parents can delight their children with gifts such as toys, coloring books, or children's novels, encouraging their creativity and learning.

Back to School

Encouraging Academic Pursuits

September 5th holds great significance in Vietnam as students return to school. Parents often gift their children new school supplies or more significant items like laptops or bicycles to motivate them to study hard.

Teacher's Day

Recognizing Educators

On November 20th, Vietnamese honor teachers for their crucial role in shaping the country's future. Students express gratitude by offering flowers, while parents may present silk scarves for female teachers or elegant ties for male teachers.

Gifting Customs for Personal Ceremonies

Personal ceremonies mark important milestones in an individual's life. The following events hold significance in Vietnamese culture, warranting thoughtful gifts.

Birthday

Celebrating Life's Journey

While not traditionally celebrated annually, the custom of birthday celebrations has gained popularity in Vietnam. When selecting a gift for a birthday, personal taste and preferences take precedence. The value of the gift is secondary to the affection and care it represents.

Wedding

Wishing for a Blissful Union

Wedding gifts in Vietnam are typically in the form of "lucky money" given to the newlyweds. While there is no fixed amount, it is customary to consider the minimum amount given by the groom's or bride's family at the guest's previous wedding. This gesture symbolizes goodwill and support for the couple's new life together.

Longevity Wishing Ceremony

Honoring Elders

When individuals reach the age of sixty and every ten years thereafter, families and local authorities organize lễ mừng thọ (longevity wishing ceremonies) to celebrate the elder's milestone. While being surrounded by loved ones holds great significance, gifts such as gold and pearl-inlaid pictures in lacquer frames or lingzhi mushrooms can also be presented.

Funeral

Offering Condolences

During funerals, sincerity and emotional support take precedence over material gifts. Attendees typically bring condolence flowers and packs of incense. Monetary contributions are also considered appropriate, as they assist the family in organizing the best possible funeral services for the deceased.

Gifting Customs in the Workplace

In the professional realm, gift-giving plays a role in fostering relationships and expressing appreciation. Consider the following customs for gifting in the workplace:

For Business Partners

Strengthening Bonds

Generosity and respect are expressed by inviting business partners to a nice lunch or dinner. When selecting business gifts, practical yet luxurious items like rollerball pens are common choices. It is essential to consider the recipient's gender and birth year when deciding on a suitable gift.

For Coworkers

Expressing Thoughtfulness

Gifting coworkers outside of holiday occasions is less common, typically reserved for close relationships. However, small gifts may be exchanged on a colleague's first day at work, birthdays, or during public ceremonies. In recent years, companies have favored gifting plants such as aroid palms to employees.

After a Holiday

Appreciating Support

After returning from a holiday, it is customary to express gratitude to coworkers who supported you in your absence. Thoughtful gestures, such as bringing local specialties to the office, serve as a way to say 'thank you' and show appreciation. The value of the gift matters less than the sentiment behind it.

Dos and Don'ts of Gift Giving in Vietnam

To ensure a positive and respectful gift-giving experience, it is essential to adhere to certain customs and practices in Vietnam. Consider the following dos and don'ts:

Dos

• Present your gift in an attractive manner, either by carefully wrapping it or using a gift bag or package. Some products come in beautiful packaging, eliminating the need for additional wrapping.

• Remove price tags before wrapping or packaging the gift, as leaving them on is considered impolite.

• Hand the gift directly to the recipient. In cases where the recipient cannot receive it personally, you may place the gift on a table or, when visiting a patient in the hospital, on the nightstand.

• Accompany the gift with kind words. A popular phrase to use when presenting a gift is "Em có món quà biếu/tặng anh/chị" (I have a gift for you).

• Offer a warm smile when giving the gift, as it holds greater significance than the gift itself.

• Provide the recipient with any necessary information about the gift, such as instructions on how to use or consume it, and the expiration date if applicable.

Don'ts

• Avoid using dark-colored or superstitious patterned wraps when wrapping the gift.

• Refrain from placing the gift on the floor before or after giving it, as it signifies disrespect towards the recipient.

• Do not unwrap the gift after presenting it, as this practice is typically reserved for happy birthday parties.

• Avoid gifting sets of four or thirteen, as these numbers are considered unlucky in Vietnamese culture.

• Steer clear of gifts such as shoes, watches, sharp items, handkerchiefs, suitcases, underwear, or rings (for girlfriends during Tet), as they carry negative connotations or may be seen as inappropriate.

• Shoes sound similar to the Vietnamese word for "complaint," while watches remind older Vietnamese individuals of their age.

• Sharp items, such as knives or scissors, can be interpreted as symbolizing a desire to sever the relationship.

• Handkerchiefs are associated with sadness and difficulty, as they are used to dry tears or sweat.

• Suitcases suggest that one of the individuals in a relationship will soon depart.

• Gifting underwear to girlfriends during Tet is considered impolite and disrespectful in Vietnamese culture.

• Avoid gifting money directly; instead, opt for supermarket/travel/restaurant vouchers as a thoughtful alternative.

• An empty wallet represents financial deficit; however, placing a banknote inside the wallet symbolizes wishes for prosperity and wealth.

• Fish tanks and statues of the God of Wealth are not always welcomed, as some believe they can bring bad luck.

• Giving gifts to older people can be misconstrued as a desire for their demise.

• Antiques may be associated with superstitions or negative energy, so their appropriateness as gifts depends on the recipient's beliefs.

• Pillows are generally considered inappropriate gifts due to the superstition that they may bring bad luck.

By following these guidelines, you can navigate the rich tapestry of Vietnamese gifting traditions with ease, ensuring that your gifts are received with appreciation and respect. Remember, the act of giving is not just about the material item itself but the sentiment and thoughtfulness behind it.