The Japanese exchange gifts on many occasions:
Oseibo and Ochugen
Twice a year, in December and in June, it is common for co-workers, friends and relatives to exchange gifts. The gifts are called Oseibo and Ochugen respectively. In average, they are worth about 5000 Yen and may be food, wine, some household utensil or the like. The gift giving seasons coincide with company employees receiving a special bonus in addition to their monthly salaries.
Temiyage and Omiyage
In order to thank somebody, e.g. for an invitation, one often presents a gift (temiyage) such as a cake, Japanese sweets or sake. Similarly, when a Japanese person returns from a trip, he or she bring home souvenirs (omiyage) to friends, co-workers and relatives.
Birthday and Christmas
The giving of presents on birthdays and Christmas is not originally a Japanese tradition. Due to the strong influence from the West, however, some families and friends have started to exchange gifts also on these occasions.
Gifts are given and received with both hands. There are a few rules about what not to give, since certain gifts in certain circumstances or a certain number of gifts are believed to cause bad luck.
1 comment:
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