Gift giving in South Africa

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South Africa. Majestic plains, big skies, epic scenery, diverse cultures, amazing resources, truly God’s country. Wildlife that is second to none and a history that is as turbulent as it is deep rooted in traditions and values.

You can almost smell the history in the earth as you visit her national parks and watch the graceful antelope and hear the herds of Wilderbeest thundering across the savannah in front of you. And on the hill in the distance, could that be Shaka the Zulu and his Impi appearing on the horizon?

Shaka the Zulu

The rise of the Zulu Kingdom occurred in the late 18^th century, through atrocities and cruelty, Shaka - the illegitimate son of a Zulu chief and a young girl Nandi, systematically expanded his territories by controlling more and more Zulu clans, finally creating the most powerful kingdom in Southern Africa by the beginning of the 19^th century. He used his power destructively and was eventually assassinated by his own half brother in 1828. The destructive re-structuring of the tribes and country, came to an end with his death and the disturbances among the growing refugees and settlors led to re-grouping. Large communities started to appear and the Chiefs that led clans disappeared. They could be safer and better defended in this manner and so progress again as a Nation.

Many races have tried to rule South Africa, on top of which immigration of differing races have meant that there is a melting pot of nationalities, from the indigenous black people and their differing tribes, plus white Europeans, Indians, Chinese and Indo Malays. This can mean that it is hard to generalize on etiquette and cultural trends when giving gifts. Also many religious differences can come into play.

In the Cape area, there may be many Muslim families, so be aware of the Muslim restrictions we have mentioned before in the Middle east article, to save offence. Alcohol may not be a good item to give, so chocolates, flowers or baked goods may be a better suggestion. It may be necessary if visiting a home to remove your shoes, so avoid the socks with the hole in!!

With the sumptuous array of wines and liquors available in South Africa from her own vineyards and resources, it would be a wonderful gift idea for many people and circumstances.



Wild Africa Liquor gift from Corporate Gifts Boston - South Africa collection.

If meeting a known Zulu for the first time , the classic Zulu greeting ‘ Sawubona’ or ‘I see you ‘ would be well met. Many would know this phrase irrespective of Tribe so a nice little greeting to memorize. The response would be ‘Yebo, Sawubona’ or ‘Yes I see you too’. Nothing brings a smile to peoples’ faces more than an attempt to greet in a native tongue anywhere in the world!

Open gifts immediately, there is no delays needed. Use both hands to offer or the right, not the left, incase religion not known.

Flowers are always a great idea and from my own memories, the beauty and diversity of the flowers in the urban areas was outstanding. Carnations can be linked to funerals, so may be the only one to take care with.

Many people are quite naïve about what is available in Africa as a whole. With feelings that maybe everything is in the ‘bush’. From my own experiences in South Africa particularly, this is far from the truth. I never saw so many wonderful crafts, expert carvings, beautiful gifts of the highest quality. First class restaurants with world ratings and shopping Malls filled to the brim with anything you can buy elsewhere in the World plus more! Rural areas of course can not always compete with all this but the cities and major towns can certainly aid you with gifts to give and to bring home with you.

Gifts from home will always be a winner, so if it is possible to bring a souvenir into the country, do so if visiting. Great ideas would be coffee table books.

There is no expectations here for lavish presents in general, but this is a very polite society, so send thank you notes or e mails after your visit or after receiving gifts in return. Also try to be on time.

The 21^st and 40^th birthdays are the most largely celebrated, so these would be worth noting if invites extended to family parties. Splash out a little more and the wrapping should have more effort for these events.

A little bit of Romance from Corporate gifts Boston - South Africa collection

Traditional Zulu weddings involve giving and receiving of cows, blankets, mats with beadwork which is so typical to the Zulu traditions. But in this day and age, electronic gifts and home or kitchen wares are practical and certainly well received. If you receive an invite to a local wedding, be sure not to miss it. One I attended had the most marvelous music, singing and dancing and there was not an instrument in sight. Melody and rhythm seem to be a natural given in this part of the world.

Food and drink in general would be acceptable, with care on religious differences along with personalized gifts in a Business setting. Monogrammed pens, folders and the like would be a wonderful idea.

After becoming good friends in South Africa, you may greet using the three clasps. First shake is the traditional western style with right hands, then second is fold your fingers around the others thumb and then revert to standard shake. To be met with a wide grin I am sure.

Not only the heat of the African sun, but the warmth of the people will melt your heart and bring you back time and time again. Not forgetting , of course, the wines whose grapes are ripened under those African skies…………

India Gift giving tips

India – Tips on gift giving

from www.corporategiftsboston.com

The ancient, diverse and vast, multi-cultural, multi tongued land of the Mughal Empire, conjures up much in one’s mind. The beauty of the landscape, the majesty of her relics and buildings, the scents of its spices and foods, the hub-bub of her bazaars, the mystic quality of her music and dance. It heightens ones senses all at once!

Once visited, never forgotten, with a longing for more. This country that holds some of my own roots………..

The Taj Mahal

A beautiful symbol of love everlasting

As in many countries in the East, there are certain in-auspicious things to avoid when giving gifts, whether numerical, religious or just traditional cultural customs that may offend in this country. Some may surprise you if never considered in advance, so worth taking note even though Indians in general would never appear offended in front of you. They would be delighted if you had taken the time to respect their cultures and beliefs.

It is interesting to hear that Indians believe gift giving helps the transition into the next life. I like that idea!

Gift giving in India has occurred since ancient times, when cattle, grain, fabric, gold and silver would have been given to peers and family. With all the traditional festivals and cultural events, it gives an ideal opportunity for mutual gift giving. Nowadays, this would include Valentines, Mothers day, Fathers day in tandem with the West, but the festivals of Holi, Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi and Dussera among many others would be popular.

Traditionally Indian sweetmeats and mithais would be given ( see Diwali treat from Corporate Gifts Boston, Dubai gift), but even alternate gifts these days would be considered like re-cycled, green themed or eco-friendly for those who do not follow the norm.

Diwali Treats ( Corporate Gifts Boston Dubai gift)

Generally gifts are not opened in front of the giver but put aside for opening later unless persuaded otherwise.

Flowers are still very popular but one must be careful which flowers to pick, for example Frangipani or white flowers are used at funerals, so best not to use. Each area may have other flower preferences but usually roses are safe. Colors are another thing to be careful with. White and black in general are considered in-auspicious, whereas red, yellow and green are lucky. Wrap gifts in those colors.

Money in cash form is usually given to friends and family to celebrate life events as is gold, but if you have decided to give cash, remember certain auspicious numbers, 11,51,101 and 501, add a digit to make a number un-even. It is not advisable to get too expensive a gift unless the recipients are known well for one of these events, as may embarrass the receiver. It is expected to reciprocate so may not be practical for them to do so. Gold and jewelry is also given at this time and is considered an intimate gift so not correct for a man to give to an Indian woman unless a family member or close friend.

In many parts of India, alcohol is culturally not acceptable, but if you know the host keeps alcohol at home, a good bottle of Scotch whiskey or wine would be appreciated!

As in the Muslim religion, one should avoid certain leathers, especially for a Hindu who can often be vegetarian. The cow is considered sacred, so it is not only pig skin or ostrich leather than can offend.

If possible it is acceptable to ask a family what they may like if you are visiting from another country. There are many very basic items that we take for granted that are un-available in India or very expensive and would be a real hit. Electronics, computer discs, instant foods, disposable razors, toiletries to name a few.

At the end of the day, it is the sincerity with which the gift is given that matters more than the value. Which if you think about is the best way to go everywhere.

Queen Victoria named India the Jewell in her Crown, when part of the British Empire. One can understand this analogy, it is such a fascinatingly beautiful and rich country, truly a memory that I hold dear.

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The Middle East - tips on gift giving

Arabian delights from
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When one thinks of the Middle East, the initial thoughts are of high sand dunes, drifting sands, desert winds, Bedouin tents, Palm trees, Arab travelers on camels, maybe Lawrence of Arabia, riding into the sunset on his camel! Ha! The image of our dreams.

The Middle East of today, although having much sand and all of the above in places, is very much a Cosmopolitan place where traditions go hand in hand with the modern world that we know of in the West. Fifth^th Avenue style shops and boutiques abound in the wonderfully cool, marble filled Malls and plazas gushing with water fountains. This being such a sign of wealth in the Arab world where, lets be honest, in the middle of a desert it would be considered gold.

Although these diverse and multi cultural countries are more and more open to the ways of the West, there are still boundaries that should not be crossed when giving gifts, to avoid offense or insult. The Arabs as a race are very proud and generous people, and are traditionally hospitable. There is still the way of the Bedouin, who would give his last piece of bread to a stranger who visited his campfire, even if it meant his family would go without. In turn we should acknowledge this and be aware of their customs, religious restrictions and family honor. But also note that giving gifts is a way of building relationships and doing business in the Middle East.

Islam is the predominate religion in the Middle East. The doctrines of the Koran forbid alcohol, and flesh of scavenger fish (shellfish, Lobster) and animals (Pork) or birds (ostrich). Be careful if there is a likelihood of these items being contained in food products like hot dogs, pate’s, sausages, or even Lard dripping in pastries. No alcohol and in turn be careful of certain perfumes that may contain alcohol. A great alternative if available is Oudh, which is made from tree oil. It is very popular in much of the Middle East and the Far East. Certain countries may be more tolerant than others, but it is worth noting these items when trying to decide on the correct gift for the right occasion.

Another item to watch is leather goods. Be careful with the type of skin. Pigskin or ostrich although lovely would not be appropriate. Knives are not considered polite as they have a sharp edge, which could be interpreted as a severing of a relationship. Artwork could be difficult if they were sculptures, drawings or paintings of the human body and particularly women. Dogs are considered unclean so no doggy pictures either.

A compass would be perfect for the travelers of the desert lands. Used for checking the direction of Mecca, for the call to prayer each day no matter where he may be traveling to in the World. Silver, crystal, gems, cashmere or high quality leather products of the correct type would be very good choices. Caffeine and nicotine is discouraged in the Koran, but they are hugely popular in the Middle East. In fact coffee shops have a roaring trade, as the scene of much male socializing including smoking whether cigarettes or the shishah ( hookah or hubbly bubbly!)

A Platter of dates, rosewater, nuts, and dried fruit would make wonderful gifts around the time of Ramadan or Eide one of the celebration after the fasting month. Once the Iftar canon is fired at sunset, all Muslims can break their fast and eat. ( See Arabian Delights from Corporate Gifts Boston.)

Once you have made your perfect choice, remember; never give your gift with the left hand. The left hand is used for personal hygiene and would certainly be an insult. If it is a first business meeting, don’t make the gift too lavish, it could be considered a bribe.

And most definitely do not provide a gift for an Arab’s wife if a first meeting! This would be a breach of honor.

The Arab people can make wonderful and lifelong business partners and friends. Taking the time to learn their ways and beliefs will aid you in this journey. In’shallah ! ( God willing)