Chinese culture, with its vast and storied history, has passed down practices and beliefs through generations, giving rise to a set of taboos that are both intriguing and essential to comprehend. Embedded deeply within the traditions of China, these cultural taboos encompass themes of respect, etiquette, and the sustenance of good fortune. For those eager to immerse themselves in the essence of Chinese culture, understanding and honoring these taboos is crucial for establishing genuine connections and circumventing any unintended disrespect.
To manoeuvre through the rich tapestry of Chinese cultural norms, it is helpful to categorise these taboos into three primary areas: general taboos, dining etiquette, and gift-giving customs. This organisation not only simplifies comprehension but also sheds light on the facets of daily life most influenced by these cultural subtleties. Being mindful of these taboos in your dining habits, gift selections, or daily interactions can deeply enhance your experiences and relationships within Chinese society.
General Taboos in Chinese Culture
Understanding and adhering to these cultural taboos not only reflects your respect for Chinese traditions but also deepens your engagement with the society, promoting meaningful and respectful interactions. As we delve deeper into these categories, remember that at the heart of navigating Chinese social norms is the emphasis on building considerate and informed connections, ensuring a harmonious journey for both visitors and their hosts.
The social fabric of China is intertwined with taboos that touch on various life aspects, often linked to superstitions and traditions aimed at preserving luck and warding off misfortune. Here are a few noteworthy examples:
The Red Pen Taboo
The prohibition against writing names in red ink is steeped in Chinese history and culture for several reasons. Historically, judges would use red ink, sometimes made from chicken blood, to inscribe the names of those condemned to death. This association between red ink and death sentences or criminality has created a belief that writing in red is a bad omen, potentially symbolising crime or death. Additionally, emperors used red ink to sign decrees, making its use by others an act of defiance punishable by severe measures. Folklore also suggests that Yama, the King of Hell, records names in red, leading to superstitions about premature death if one’s name is written in red ink. These reasons collectively underscore the cultural sensitivity to using red ink for writing names.
Unlucky numbers in China
Numbers in Chinese culture carry meanings that extend beyond their mathematical value, significantly affecting gifting and celebratory practices. For instance, even numbers are linked to auspicious events, while odd numbers are associated with funerals. The number ‘four’ is particularly avoided due to its phonetic resemblance to ‘death’ (both pronounced like ‘si’ but with different tonal pronunciations). Meanwhile the number ‘eight’ is celebrated for its connotations of prosperity and wealth. This fascination with numbers reflects deep-rooted cultural beliefs and impacts various social customs, such as spending $325,000 on a phone number because it ended with 88888, or picking certain auspicious dates to complete business transactions.
Dining Taboos
Chinese dining customs are more than mere rituals for nourishment, they are a reflection of the culture’s etiquette and long-standing beliefs. A few key dining taboos include:
Chopsticks Placement: Placing chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice is a gesture reserved for funerals, symbolising incense offerings to the deceased. In other contexts, such as eating in a restaurant or family dinner, this is seen as highly disrespectful – a cultural taboo which is also shared in Japanese and Korean culture.
Bowl Tapping: Mimicking the actions of beggars by tapping on the bowl with chopsticks suggests poverty and desperation, viewed as a sign of poor manners or impending misfortune.
Respectful Toasting: When toasting, especially with elders or superiors, keeping your glass lower than theirs as a sign of respect is a pivotal element of Chinese dining etiquette.
Bad Gifts for Chinese friends and colleagues
The selection of gifts in China demands careful thought to avoid implying negative sentiments or misfortune:
Umbrellas and Clocks: These items, linked to separation and death, are considered inauspicious gifts. The phonetic resemblance of ‘umbrella’ and ‘separation’ in Chinese, along with the association of clocks with funeral rites, makes them undesirable presents.
Sharp Objects: Gifting knives or scissors is taboo as they symbolise cutting ties or can be seen as threatening.
Green Hats: Gifting a green hat is a significant faux pas, associated with infidelity and shame, particularly implying that a woman has been unfaithful in her marriage or relationship.
The Three ‘T’s
The “Three Ts” in the context of China, Taiwan, Tibet, and Tiananmen, represent the most sensitive issues for the Chinese Communist Party and it is generally advised not to bring them up when travelling in China. Eveline Chao very famously wrote an article about her experiences with censorship when she worked as a journalist in China, and although there are more serious issues with discussing these topics, such as potentially being arrested, even in day-to-day conversations it is not recommended. These areas are points of contention for the Chinese and discussing them with Chinese citizens can lead to discomfort or awkwardness.
Taboos in Chinese Culture
From gifting green hats to upright chopsticks, what can seem like a random action to us may hold significance in different cultures. By recognising and respecting these deeply rooted customs, you can honour China’s rich cultural heritage and earn the respect of its people when visiting.
What is Guanxi?
Guanxi (关系) refers to the intricate network of personal and business relationships in Chinese culture, built on mutual trust and personal bonds. Unlike Western networks, guanxi prioritises informal interactions, forming a foundation for stronger ties that deeply influence business dealings in China and beyond.
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