7A Shek Lai Yi (20)

7A Shek Lai Yi (20) Chinese social etiquette. Dear Chris, How are you? As far as I know, you are zealous in the Chinese social etiquette. Actually, each place has her own etiquette, especially for China, which is a five thousand long history country. Therefore, I am going to introduce some Chinese social etiquette to you. For the physical contact, Chinese meet people by shaking hands to show respect. This is different from westerners that giving a hug or a kiss. One of the obvious reasons is because of the tradition. Traditional Chinese firmly believe that intimate contact is not allowed with strangers, this is a kind of manner. So, remember not to hug or kiss Chinese when you first meeting him or her. For giving gifts, they should always be wrapped and presented with both hands. As Chinese people place emphasis on manner, so they like to give gifts with both hands. Also, Chinese people are superstitious as they believe in fung shui. Be careful not to give gifts that symbolise death, such as clocks and white flowers. Also avoid giving scissors and knives, because they can note the severing of a relationship, and potted plants, because they are thought to encourage sickness. Moreover, to be punctual and to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ are viewed as the basic manner in China. These are regarded as the basic things to show appreciation and respect. If you are always late, people will have a bad impression on you. And people just think that you are an arrogant person if you seldom say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’. Then, Chris, just be friendly and polite to others. Furthermore, for the eating culture, be mindful of putting your chopsticks on the designated holder. In addition, be wary of leaving your chopsticks sticking up in your rice bowl, because this symbolises offering the rice to the dead. Also, drinking tea is vitally important to Chinese and they view this as the way to keep healthy. But there is some Chinese social etiquette on it. When you are filling the tea into the tea cup, you have to fill the other’s cup first and then your own cup. This is because the hierocracy culture and an indication of respect. Also, when you finish drinking the bowl of tea, you should keep the cup over open, then the waiter or waitress will help you to add water. Chris, I think you have a more thorough knowledge about the Chinese social etiquette. Admittedly, you are optional to choose whether follow all the details of these etiquette or not, because you still have your own culture and western etiquette.