The Chinese concept of lucky numbers is similar to that of other cultures and is
based on the mystical good and bad relationships associated with certain
numbers.

The key to good or bad numbers in Cantonese is based on sound. For example,
the number two (2) is fortunate, because it is similar to the sound (?) of  “easy”; in
Cantonese. Three (3) is associated with living. Eight (8) is associated with
“prosperity”. Nine (9) is associated with “eternal”. The numbers Four (4) and Seven
(7) are associated with “death”. Some numbers are bad luck when they are
combined. Five (5) and Eight (8) are associated with “no prosperity”. One (1), Six
(6), and Eight (8) are associated with “ongoing wealth”.

The tradition of the intuition of numbers for the Chinese is boundless. This belief is
often put into practice when the Chinese name businesses and clubs that they
hope will attract many customers. This phenomenon of lucky numbers has
traveled to the United States now as well. Observe the number of personalized
automobile license plates you see that are owned by Chinese and have the
numbers eight or nine.

Newborn:

The first important event for the newly born baby is the one-month celebration.
Relatives and friends receive gifts from the child's parents. The types of gifts vary
from place to place, but traditional red eggs are a must. Red dyed eggs are chosen
as gifts because they symbolize the changing process of life, and their round shape
is the symbol of a harmonious and happy life. The red color is a sign of happiness in
the Chinese culture. Besides eggs, other foods such as cakes, chickens, ginger,
and hams, are often given as gifts. Gifts are also always given in even number.
During the celebration, relatives and friends of the family will give the child red
envelopes filled with money. Grandparents usually give their grandchild gold or silver
ware to show their deep love for the child. In the evening, the child's parents
present/offer a rich feast at home or a restaurant to the guests at the celebration.

Elderly:

The Chinese do not pay a lot of attention to birthdays until they become 60 years
old. The 60th birthday is regarded as a very important point in life due to its
association with the Chinese lunar calendar. After this special celebration, a birthday
celebration is held every ten years. Generally, the older a person becomes, the
greater the celebration. The Chinese count age starting from birth.  A baby born on
December 24, 2005, for example, will be 2 years old on January 1, 2006, because it
will have crossed 2 years from 2005 to 2006. It is the grown offspring who celebrate
their elderly parents' birthdays to show deep respect for them and express their
thanks.

According to traditional customs, the parents are offered foods that have the
symbolism of health and prosperity. On the birthday morning the father or mother will
eat a bowl of noodles. In China long noodles symbolize longevity. Eggs are also
among the best choices of food taken to others on this special occasion and
symbolize harmony.

In Chinese culture, flowers are not only objects of beauty, but also symbols of life,
happiness, and fertility. If you want to include a Chinese theme with your gift of flowers,
use the color red. Red is the symbol of ultimate joy in Chinese culture, and adding red
flowers to your gift of flowers will boost this popular Chinese decorative choice. Minimize
the use of white and yellow flowers, as these colors are the symbol of death and are used
only for funerals.

Popular Chinese Flowers:

Peony

The peony is a symbol of wealth and distinction. It is also regarded as an omen of good
fortune. Chinese peonies are typically found on Chinese paintings, and this flower is an
emblem of love and affection and also a symbol of feminine beauty.

The Chinese tree peony is a flower of the Yang principle or brightness and masculinity.
The tree peony bears the title, “The King of Flowers”.   It is also sometimes referred to as
“The Queen of Flowers”. The Chinese tree peony represents the season of spring. Chinese
peony paintings are often hung in the home for good luck and in the office to hope for a
good and prosperous business.

Orchid

The orchid is the Chinese symbol of love and fertility. In the Spring and Autumn Period
(770-476 BC) of Chinese history, the renowned philosopher Confucius compared the
orchid to a man of noble character and praised its fragrance as “the scent of a king flower”.
Since that time, many Chinese have regarded the orchid as the most noble of flowers.

Lotus

The Chinese lotus flower represents creative power and purity amid adverse surroundings.
This flower represents four virtues in the Buddhist religion as well as being the cornerstone
of Asian flower culture.

Chinese poets use lotus flowers to inspire people to continue striving through difficulty and
to show their best, no matter how bad their circumstances may be. This effort is
understood as being just like the lotus flower, which brings beauty and light from the
murky darkness at the bottom of the pond

Bamboo

Bamboo is a plant that is recommended by Feng Shui masters for your home or business.
Bamboo is low maintenance because it requires little direct sunlight, and little water. The
Chinese consider bamboo lucky, so it is often given as a gift at the start of a business, the
purchase of a new home, or as a gift to wish for future prosperity for the recipient. Bamboo
symbolizes advancement of career, prosperity, longevity, and energy.

Greetings:

The Chinese way of greeting is a nod or a bow. Bowing is seldom used except in
ceremonies. Handshakes are becoming quite acceptable, but do wait for your
Chinese counterpart to initiate this gesture. Address a person by using his or her
surname, such as Ms. Chan or Mr. Wong. The Chinese family name comes first
and is usually one (1) syllable. For business purposes, it is appropriate to call a
Chinese person by his or her surname with a title, such as “Chairwoman Lee”; or
“Director Chu”. Formality is always a sign of respect.

Business Meetings:

It is assumed that the first person that enters a room is the head of the group.
Guests are always escorted to their seats. The principal guest should be seated
directly opposite the principal host. When exchanging business cards, hold out
your card using both hands with the writing on the card facing the recipient.
Receive a business card with both hands and review it immediately. It is
inappropriate and discourteous to put someone’s card directly into your pocket
without looking at it.

Social Events:

When invited for dinner, it is polite to sample every dish that is served. Your host
may serve food to your plate. Always leave something on your plate at the end of
the meal, or your host will think that you are still hungry. When inviting Chinese
guests to a party, serve a complete meal rather than only  snacks and drinks.

Gift Giving:

It is quite appropriate to bring a gift to a business meeting or social event. Gifts
indicate that you are interested in building a business relationship. A gift should
always be wrapped in red.  Avoid plain black or white paper because these are
mourning colors. Present the gift with both hands. Never give a clock, a
handkerchief, an umbrella, or white flowers (chrysanthemums) as gifts, as all of
these are associated with sorrow and death. Never give sharp objects either, such
as knives or scissors, as they symbolize the cutting of a relationship.