The act of exchanging gifts during Chinese New Year (CNY) is more than just a social nicety. It's a symbolic gesture meant to convey blessings, prosperity, and positive energy (qi). Gifts are carefully chosen to reflect auspicious meanings, avoid taboos, and demonstrate thoughtfulness. I understand from my long-time friend, who's an entrepreneur Mr. Kong Kin Siong that, “Chinese people prefer practical and useful gifts for their good health over fancy items.”
He added, “Offering compassionate and practical gift during CNY demonstrates the deep, fundamental drivers of human behavior that exist within our heart. It reveals the four principles are at the root of human behaviors- humility, love, pride and prosperity navigating life more effective and successfully.”
My wife, Zarina and I have known the Kong's family ever since our family shifted from KL to Putrajaya in 2003. We meet them regularly for nice ‘teh tarik’ & ‘mee goreng’ at our favorite Mamak restaurants in the neighborhood of Putrajaya. Coincidently, accountant Miss Kong Yen Peng, who also worked with Zarina who had served as Treasurer of PUSPANITA KEBANGSAAN (Association of Wives and Women Members of the Malaysian Public Service) when Puan Sri Rohani Abdullah was the Chairperson. The young Yen Peng is currently attached as an accountant with the Ministry of Home Affairs Putrajaya whilst responsible looking after the good health, and wellbeing of her parents. She has a sisterly connection and relationship with our five grandchildren.
I understand in Chinese culture, exchanging gifts during CNY is a foundational practice for building and maintaining social harmony & reciprocity. It serves as a tangible way to express sincere blessings, nurture trust & reaffirming mutual affection across personal, professional as well as community networks.
In strengthening shared “cultural memory”, the ritualistic nature of CNY gifting evokes human emotional values & memories. Exchanging traditional items like Mandarin oranges (luck) or sweet candies (harmony) that reinforce common values, and identity, promoting a sense of unity, togetherness within the community. In a nutshell, CNY is a period of renewal. Exchanging gifts symbolizes starting the new year on good terms & affirming to smoothen relations.
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