Pears, Dried Flowers & 12 Other Things You Should Avoid Bringing As Gifts For CNY

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So, before you show up at someone's doorstep with a thoughtful (but possibly taboo) gift, here's a quick guide on what not to bring.

While they may seem like a sweet and juicy treat, pears are a no-go during Chinese New Year.

In Chinese, the word for "pear" (梨, lí) sounds like the word for "parting" (离, lí). Gifting pears can symbolise separation or farewells — definitely not the vibe you want to bring to the party.

Dried flowers may look elegant, but they're a symbol of death and decay in Chinese culture.

Since Chinese New Year is all about ushering in fresh beginnings, it's better to stick to fresh blooms like orchids or peonies that symbolise prosperity and good fortune.

Clocks are a huge no-no as gifts, especially for older relatives.

The phrase "giving a clock" (送钟, sòng zhōng) sounds like "attending a funeral" in Chinese. It's seen as an ominous gesture, so save that antique clock for another occasion.

Knives, scissors, and other sharp objects symbolise cutting off relationships. Even if your host loves to cook, steer clear of these items when choosing a gift.

Shoes might seem like a practical gift, but they're another no-no. The word for "shoe" (鞋, xié) sounds like "bad luck" or "evil" in Cantonese. Plus, gifting shoes can signify walking away from the relationship.

Mirrors can be a tricky gift, as they are thought to reflect bad energy or negative spirits. Gifting a mirror might bring unwanted misfortune or invite negative vibes into the home.

While towels are practical, they are also associated with wiping away bad luck or negativity. Since Chinese New Year is about starting fresh, gifting towels can be seen as offering to "wipe away" the joy of the upcoming year, which isn't the most auspicious gesture.

Umbrellas are often associated with separation in Chinese culture. Giving an umbrella could suggest that the relationship with your host might "drift apart" in the future.

In some Chinese dialects, the word "lamb" (羊) sounds similar to the word "lose" (输). Since Chinese New Year is about winning, prosperity, and good luck, gifting lamb could be seen as symbolising loss or defeat.

While vinegar might be useful in the kitchen, it's considered unlucky to give as a gift. It symbolises sourness or bitterness in life and relationships.

A gift of vinegar could imply unpleasantness or bad luck for the recipient.

Handkerchiefs are commonly associated with tears and sadness, which makes them an unfortunate choice for Chinese New Year. They symbolise emotional pain and are thought to bring bad luck to both the giver and the receiver.

If you're giving ang pow, make sure to include money inside!

An empty ang pow is considered rude and unlucky. The amount doesn't have to be large, but make sure it's an even number for good luck. Avoid amounts with the number four, as it sounds like "death" in Chinese.

White ang pow packets are a definite no for Chinese New Year! While red ang pow packets symbolise happiness, prosperity, and good luck, white packets are traditionally used for somber occasions, like funerals, as they represent mourning.

Giving a white ang pow during Chinese New Year could unintentionally send the wrong message, so always stick to bright, festive colours like red, gold, or even pink for your ang pow packets.

As mentioned earlier, dark-coloured items (black, purple, or even dark blue) are best avoided because they are linked to mourning or bad fortune. Stick to vibrant, celebratory colours like red, gold, or yellow to keep the good vibes flowing!

Your host will appreciate the thought and effort you've put into respecting cultural traditions.

Happy gifting, and gong xi fa cai!