Gifts and Cultures - Essay Example

Gifts and cultures Gifts are acts of giving things like a present. Individuals give gifts voluntarily without any payment in return. The giving of gifts is one of the oldest traditions in most cultures. Most cultures have developed gift giving cultures and traditions. Globalization causes most cultures to interact with each other. About, globalization affects gift giving in most societies in the world. In France, it is appropriate to give the host of a dinner party the gift of a vintage wine (Adloff,25). It is according to the French customs for visitors to bring old wine for the host of a dinner party. There are many cultures with their definition of gift across the world. Cross-culture, awareness causes understanding among most individuals in the world. Cross-cultural understanding results in the understanding of foreign culture in most countries (ENoon, 63). Understanding of gift giving in the world is necessary for individuals to get a better relationship with each other. Gift giving helps most individuals to appreciate the etiquette of most cultures. It assists individuals value the culture of other individuals across the globe. In Sweden, it is appropriate for an individual to give the gift of wine to the host of a dinner party. The host also accepts other gifts but for the sake of their culture wine and flower are among the top gifts they prefer. Reviews of personal culture reveal that it is not appropriate to open the gift in the presence of the visitors. In relation to, it is important to take into consideration the religious views of an individual before issuing gifts. Most Muslims do not prefer having their gifts wrapped in leather because of religious beliefs. In my culture, there are no wrapping gifts in black or white colors. The culture considers these colors unlucky by the society. It indicates that the gift giving customs vary from country to country. Some gifts are appropriate in other cultures but inappropriate in some cultures. The diverse cultures and religions categorize gifts into personal and business gifts. There are many differences between personal gifts and business gifts in most societies. Business gifts show the relationship between the individual offering the gift and the business enterprise (Tirabassi & Eddy, 58). It reflects the understanding of the individuals receiving the culture. Business gifts should have a professional image of the person offering the gift. Corporate gifts show a good impression of the people offering the gift to the enterprise. Companies give gifts to the employees as an indication of their appreciation of their efforts at work. Most companies give their hardworking employees gifts as a sign of recognition. The gifts boost their morale in the enterprise to work extra hard. Issuance of a lavish gift shows that the company appreciates the work that the workers are putting towards the success of the business. According to the Japanese culture, it is appropriate to alert an individual you have gifts to offer them. In relation to, it is convenient for an individual to present the gift at the end of the visit (Tirabassi & Eddy, 61). The Japanese people consider the presentation of gifts at the end of the visit. The awards are given with two hands, which show respect between the two individuals. According to the culture, it is appropriate to deny the gift before finally accepting it. The Japanese word for death is "shi" and it has a direct meaning with the word for death. Most cultures insist that gift giving should an informal gesture. Organizations should share a mutual understanding when dealing with donations. Most cultures prefer individuals to offer them gifts that bear company logos. The contributions should include printed information on the origin and symbolism of the offerings. Many considerations go into choosing the best gift to give in any culture. It shows that different cultures have different customs and traditions regarding offerings and gifts. The cultures have strong traditions regarding the most appropriate manner to offer and accept gifts. Incorporation of the customs of different customs and traditions enable individuals appreciate the contributions of most societies. In my culture present, gift giving plays an important role because visitor acceptance. In the society, the emphasis is on the gifts rather than the value of the gift. It is thoughtful to give gifts to the individuals and most persons who receive the gifts appreciate the act. When the individuals receive a gift, they send a thank you. Gift-wrapping is an important part of most cultures in the society (Tirabassi & Eddy, 65). Most societies have rules that guide them wrapping gifts in the society. Most individuals study the culture of a society before indulging in giving gifts or accepting gifts. Individuals make the mistake of buying what they want rather than what the recipients would prefer. It is important to study the culture of the recipient before offering gifts. It is because the gift can send a wrong message to the individuals to what it implies. Gifts should not be an obligation for an individual to expect something in return after offering a gift. Gifts should come from the heart of the individual offering the gift. It is equally important to focus on the message of the rather than the price of the gift. The modern society incorporates many special days indicating that it is important to learn the etiquette of gift giving. It is a social gesture in many societies in the world and learning the cultures of different societies makes gift giving a success. Most cultures believe that it is not an obligation for individuals to offer gifts but they have to send thank you notes for the gifts they receive. The type of gift plays a significant role in Italy. Natural and homemade gifts are a clear indication of love in the Italian culture. Italian children grow to know how to put thought into choosing gifts for friends and family members. They grow knowing that red flowers show secrecy from the individual offering the gift. Offering business gifts in Italy is a regular routine of the individual. The Italians like doing business with individuals on a face-to-face basis. They have to take the time to build a good relationship and inquire about friends and family members. The strategy helps in knowing the best gift to offer friends and family members. Business gifts in Italy are a critical part of the culture. Individuals have to make a good first impression when offering business gifts (Adloff, 83). The first impression demonstrates a sign of respect for the person offering the gift. Appearance plays a significant role in the Italian culture, and the society judges people based on their appearance. Business gift can in the form of inviting individuals for a lunch date or dinner date. In England, the society does not regard gifts as part of a business transaction. It is appropriate to take individuals out for a meal. White lilies suggest death in the England culture it means that it is not appropriate to offer them as gifts. On the contrary, in Greece it is not advisable to offer gifts in the first encounter with an individual. In conclusion, Individuals give gifts voluntarily without any payment in return. It Globalization causes most cultures to interact with each other. Cross-cultural understanding results in the understanding of foreign culture in most countries. Gift giving helps most individuals to appreciate the etiquette of most cultures. Organizations should share a mutual understanding when dealing with gifts. Organizations should share a mutual understanding when dealing with gifts. Organizations should share a mutual understanding when dealing with gifts. Works cited Adloff, Frank. Beyond Interests And Norms: Toward A Theory Of Gift-Giving And Reciprocity In Modern Societies. Constellations 13.3 (2006): 407-427. Web. ENoon, Shereen Elise. The Art Of Gift Giving. New York: Lulu, 2007. Print. Tirabassi, Maren C, and Kathy Wonson Eddy. Gifts Of Many Cultures. 2nd ed. Cleveland, Ohio: United Church Press, 2011. Print. Read More