Chinese new home party

A local Chinese Thai friend that lived in America for 30 years has completed his 8 mil baht house and is having the party on the 28th and 29th.We have been given an invite to the house party and an envelope for money that he will give to the temple on the 29th.

We have always put 200 baht in envelopes for all out Thai friends functions and decided we will do the same this time.

We were wondering if a gift is proper for the house party and if so,what type and how expensive?

Any suggestions will be appreciated.

In Chinese culture symbolism is important, with colors and numbers having special meaning. For instance, at Chinese New Year, Money may be given in a red envelope; it must be even amount, using an even number of new bills.

Red is a lucky color; pink and yellow represent happiness; and the number 8 is the luckiest number. The colors black, white and blue and the number 4, or four of anything, are negatively associated with death or funerals. Also included in this category are clocks, handkerchiefs, and straw sandals.

Sharp objects like knives or scissors represent a

I would give 500 baht - 200 is a bit stingy for a falang.

Have a good time.

I personally would give a good cognac, or other fine liqueur.Also very important to wrap it well.

What to avoid due to death association:

Straw sandals
chrysanthemums
clocks
handkerchiefs
umbrella or white flowers
four of any item [the Cantonese word for

Well assuming he is paying 8mill to build the house and its not a bank loan, this guy is not going to be impressed by the value of your gift, unless of course you go the whole hog and buy him a new Mercedes. So it breaks down to choosing something personal, novel or unusual. I would steer clear of Chinese symbolisms due to his length of time in the states. If he is married then the gift has to be appropiate to both him and his wife, unless you want to buy two.I would settle for a nice piece of Celadon ware, its beautiful, practical and although the sets are expensive you can buy single pieces that are very nice without breaking the bank.
As to the envelope, at this level 200bht could be construde as an insult so best give nothing or at least 500bht, especially as your a farang and the expectation would be higher. Please remember by inviting you he is honouring you as being on his level, and I don't think if the role was reversed he would give you 200bht.Just my feelings.

Val wrote:I would steer clear of Chinese symbolisms

hmmm,you have not got a clue.The Chinese communities i have witnessed in New York and California hold on tightly to their cultural values and traditions.Some families have been there for over a hundred years and stick rigidly to cultural protocols.

I appreciate all the suggestions.As more background ,our relationship is that he was a nurse in America,doing some of the same work as myself and we workout at the local gym together.
I saw some fish displays made out of Thai money in glass cases while visiting the new Home pro store.2000 baht and looked like something they might appreciate.Problem is I don't really understand what they are or what they represent!Should have asked at the time,oh well!Does anybody know what they are?

I believe fish sounds like surplus in Chinese and carp sounds like profit or visa versa.A great gift to give a businessman.Pictures showing carp are also very popular.

the envelope bit,i would agree with val and oilfield,a rise to a purple one would be better, then again the envelopes are sealed are they not by yourself so who will know !! ... no no only joking.... stick with 500B and you will feel better . not sure about the fish display thing made from money,still i guess you have to see it to appreciate it.

John2005. You are perfectly correct, where Chinese customs are involved I 'Haven't got a clue" And I assumed BKKStan would share my ignorance, which is precisely why I suggested he avoided any Chinese symbolism in his choice of gift.You however seem to imply you have vast knowledge of them so maybe you could use your expertise and give him the benefit , so he may choose spomething that would be culturally acceptable.

In Home Pro,there is a section with several framed paintings and other display items.In the middle of that section,there are someglass planter type cases with Carp looking type fish made from 20 and 100 baht notes and some other oriental type items enlosed in the case.I thought they were interesting pieces for gifts as the range was 1200-2200 baht.I just didn't have enough interest at the time(looking for stove/oven)to ask what they represented and the appropiateness as a house gift!

If anybody knows this info or happens to stop by the store,I would be very interested.Thanks

Stan,it strikes me as a little odd that you say you had a Chinese wife for five years yet do not seem to know of the customs.

If your friend has any kind of business going here,the fish would be an excellent gift.They signify profit.
For someone not in business anything with a dragon on is ok.Often you find dragons in the same sort of case as the fish.
That said his Chinese family may fill his house with Chinese gifts so the bottle of good booze may be better.

Thanks John.It was a long time ago and I did not live with her family or the Chinese community.She was the only child born in the USA and was a bit of a rebel from the family.As a matter of fact,she was a cocktail waitress and poker card room dealer for me.At that time in my life I was climbing the mountain of monetary gain and had little regard for others,let alone their culture,except for a few patronizing moves that were taken care of by my Chinese wife!I was in my late 30's and early 40's and had the world by the tail

There fore and thereafter the great fall!Thats why I am the very nice guy I am today ,thank you very much

Why not simply do the same as you would do back home, after all, we are still farang, and your host's know that. A coffee maker, a spice rack, assorted teas or coffee, a vase, artwork, wood carving, linens, place mats & matching napkins, etc., etc., etc. However, IMO, a good bottle of whisky or wine is the best!
When I bought, fitted out and decorated a condo in Jomtien. I held a blessing/ housewarming, attended by Thai, Thai/Chinese and farang. I recieved all sorts of gifts, and I don't think any of them had any symbolism attached to them.

That's the good thing about old people,they have seen it,done it and have some good tales.