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Although gifts play an important role in business around the world, you run the risk of offending(冒犯)a colleague if you present an inappropriate gift.In many eyes, a poor gift choice is worse than not offering a gift at all.
Every culture has specific items that are considered taboo(忌讳)or bad luck.Many of these traditions aren't followed as much these days by the younger generations or within more modem and global companies.However, it's a good idea to be careful when you're deciding on a gift, particularly if the recipient is an older person.
Here are some gifts that you should avoid in certain parts of the world:
Europe:Red roses symbolize a romantic relationship in many parts of Europe.An arrangement containing 13 flowers is considered bad luck in Germany and Switzerland.In addition, the preference is for flower arrangements to have an even number of flowers.
China:Sharp objects symbolize the cutting off of the relationship.Clocks are not appropriate because the Chinese phrase to give a clock sounds the same as to attend a dying parent.Handkerchiefs imply sadness.Never give an odd(奇数)number of an item; odd numbers symbolize separation, loneliness, and death.Do not bring food when you're invited to a meal because that implies your host cannot provide enough food.
The Middle East:Buying alcohol is forbidden in the Islamic faith, so don't present wine to your host.Pigs are banned because they're considered scavengers, so you shouldn't bring pork products, either.
India:Cows are sacred in India, so items made from cowhide are very offensive.
Latin America:Since some of the world's finest leather goods are made in Latin America, it would be insulting to bring leather from another country.Also, chrysanthemums(菊花), white asters, carnations(康乃馨), and yellow and purple flowers are sent only for funerals(葬礼).
Korea and Japan:Don't give items in groups of four or nine.The words in Korean and Japanese that sound the same as the words for four and nine are related to death.In Japan, individual flowers are only for courting, death, or an illness.
Germany, Switzerland, and Scandinavia:Keep your gifts simple.Large and expensive gifts are considered tasteless.