Say it with a Gift
"Your rabbit got out and the next door neighbor brought him back. Better give her a gift," was the greeting my friend gave me when I got home one day. And that--gift giving--is the joy or nuisance of the Orient. Depending upon your momentary outlook.
Invited guests, or those who just "appear," always come armed with a beautiful bouquet of flowers, fresh fruit or something equally special. You will remember to do the same when you are the guest. Businessmen, though coming to see the man of the house, usually bring a box of cookies, crackers or a tin of fragrant tea for the family.
Not only must a bridal couple think of their own needs, but provide an attractive shopping bag of gifts for each family that attends the wedding. This bag usually contains one nice item, like a lacquered plate appropriately inscribed for the occasion, and a small lunch. A similar surprise awaits each one attending a friend's recital.
Some freshly made cupcakes or a plate of cookies taken to a neighbor is always reciprocated with something special. The plate is never returned empty.
Even the bereaved is not exempt. It's customary to take a gift of money to the closest relatives just before a funeral. But then in the weeks that follow, they will return to each giver an item worth about one-third of that amount.
Middle-of-the-year gifts are the order of the day for those you're indebted to, like a teacher, and there's another gift at the end of the year!
In any culture it's rude not to accept a gift. The first Bible verse most people learn--John 3:16--tells of God's gift to us: Jesus Christ. He offers a full life, everlasting life. Just by accepting His gift--by believing in Him.
Invited guests, or those who just "appear," always come armed with a beautiful bouquet of flowers, fresh fruit or something equally special. You will remember to do the same when you are the guest. Businessmen, though coming to see the man of the house, usually bring a box of cookies, crackers or a tin of fragrant tea for the family.
Not only must a bridal couple think of their own needs, but provide an attractive shopping bag of gifts for each family that attends the wedding. This bag usually contains one nice item, like a lacquered plate appropriately inscribed for the occasion, and a small lunch. A similar surprise awaits each one attending a friend's recital.
Some freshly made cupcakes or a plate of cookies taken to a neighbor is always reciprocated with something special. The plate is never returned empty.
Even the bereaved is not exempt. It's customary to take a gift of money to the closest relatives just before a funeral. But then in the weeks that follow, they will return to each giver an item worth about one-third of that amount.
Middle-of-the-year gifts are the order of the day for those you're indebted to, like a teacher, and there's another gift at the end of the year!
In any culture it's rude not to accept a gift. The first Bible verse most people learn--John 3:16--tells of God's gift to us: Jesus Christ. He offers a full life, everlasting life. Just by accepting His gift--by believing in Him.
posted by Lila @ 12:23 PM
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