Sending gifts has been a tradition of everyone, but anyone who’s planning to send a gift should know the cultural belief differs from one country to another. And, in Singapore, there are cultural beliefs that people should keep in mind, especially when thinking of handmade gift ideas.
- Expensive Gifts is big NO-NO
Yes, you read it right, expensive gifts are a big no-no, especially because this country is one of the most corruption-free in Asia, which means, sending overly expensive items, might be considered as a bribe.
- Avoid “4” and Go for “8”
Believe it or not, these two numbers matter when sending gifts. As tradition says, number 8 is a lucky number, while number 4 is unlucky, because it is nearly sound to the word of death. So, remember these two numbers when thinking of handmade gifts ideas.
- No Clocks or Watches
Just in case you run out of handmade gifts ideas, never ever send anyone clocks or watches, because “Giving Clocks” translate in Chinese as “Song Zhong” and that’s equivalent to “arranging a funeral of an elder”. So, instead of clocks, try to send something unique, perhaps heritage gifts to keep in mind their history.
- No Wallets/Coin Purse
Certainly, no wallets or coin purse, as elders say, giving wallet means you are giving away your fortune because wallet signifies as a person’s “wealth chamber”. So if this is one of your handmade gifts ideas, no bother sending it, and think of something else to give as your gift.
- Avoid Umbrellas
Some people often forget that the word “umbrella (伞sǎn)” has a similar sound to the word “separation (散sàn)”, which means falling apart or separate, so to avoid umbrellas as your handmade gift ideas, because it has a bad connotation.
Here are just some of the cultural beliefs you should familiarise with, especially when thinking of handmade gift ideas. But if you think you are ready to with you, buy them now to the nearest handicraft shop or visit Arch Heritage in Singapore as they have various heritage gifts to offer.
