Giving gifts to others and receiving gifts from others

When is the right time to open a gift, and what kind of "ritual" should I follow when doing so?

In Chinese culture, it's considered impolite to open a gift in front of the giver. As a child, I remember that whenever a gift arrived at our home, I was often scolded for trying to open it immediately. I used to mimic foreign customs, thinking it was polite, but my parents would quickly stop me, saying that it was rude to open a gift in front of guests. There’s an old saying: “The joy of the country should not be shown too openly,” because people worry that if the guests open the gift themselves, their expressions might not be controlled properly, leading to embarrassment. Therefore, it's better not to open the gift in front of others.

On the other hand, Westerners tend to open gifts in front of the giver. They take their time, carefully unwrap the present, appreciate both the packaging and the contents, and express their gratitude with praise. They may even hug the giver if they're particularly happy with the gift. It’s common for them to re-wrap the gift as a sign of appreciation, completing the entire ritual of gift-giving etiquette.

Wedding etiquette also differs significantly between cultures. In Western weddings, gifts from relatives and friends are often displayed as part of the ceremony, making the packaging just as important as the gift itself. The package should be unique, with a personalized card that includes the giver's name, so guests can easily identify who gave what and enjoy the moment together.

In modern Chinese weddings, cash has become a common form of gift rather than physical items. The money is usually given during the wedding banquet, and many venues have a gift collection desk where guests can leave their presents. This is done to avoid distracting the bride and groom, who are often very busy and stressed on their big day. They might not have time to handle the gifts or could even lose them. Additionally, if the wedding is held in a church, it's not allowed to bring gifts inside. Instead, they should be handed over to family members outside the church. For other types of weddings—such as those held at restaurants or private homes—guests are free to bring gifts directly to the venue. However, large items like refrigerators, TVs, or air conditioners are typically delivered to the couple’s new home instead of the wedding location, to avoid any inconvenience or clutter.