Apr 16, 2013

Family Banquets in China

By Sihui L.


Before your Chinese girlfriend can become your spouse, you might have to go through the entire process of meeting her family. Though each family is different, there seems to be certain rituals in Chinese society that might be exactly the same for all families. Meeting your future Chinese wifes family will certainly be a big step for both of you, so make sure you get it right and leave an incredible first impression.

One very important thing you need to comprehend is that Chinese families will invariably hold all of their celebrations around the table. Meals are vitally important in China and treating guests to a banquet is definitely the Chinese manner of welcoming them. This is also a fantastic chance for you to socialize with your future in-laws and try to shorten some of the cultural difference that might exist between your world and theirs. Even if you cannot talk to them verbally, there are a number of gestures that can be done to be able to demonstrate your gratitude along with your respect towards them.

The number one thing is almost always to smile. Smiling is usually a universal gesture to demonstrate joy and friendship and will also be welcomed wherever you go. Another important tip would be to conceal any cultural shock you would possibly suffer while in the dinner. As a first timer in China and you're simply not familiar with the way The chinese behave around the table, you'll find yourself suffering many cultural shocks as the evening unfolds. Avoid starring and behave as natural as you can although many people are burping, farting or spitting surrounding you. Remember to never look down on people and whatever you might consider rude, is simply mere cultural difference. If you'd like to make your future Chinese wife happy, then you'll really need to be capable of handling this; in the event you cant, then you're better off being at home.It is rather typical to drink large volumes of alcohol during Chinese dinners because the evening is going to be evolving around you, expect to toast several times with practically everyone across the table. If you aren't a big drinker you may refuse politely and toast with water or tea, however they will adore you much more if you embark on the alcohol frenzy together. Understand that some Chinese seniors drink some quite strong liquor often surpassing 50 of alcohol. Independent from your drinking preferences and skills, you will have to offer a toast to some key people across the table. After the dinner begins, wait about A few minutes and begin offering a toast to the elderly (usually the grandparents) and wish them health and well being. Do this again with your Chinese girlfriends parents, then uncles and so on. Drink your way from the eldest to the youngest member of the family with an interval between toasts. Utilize the time you are not drinking to provide your stomach as much food as you possibly can, as it will assist you to endure the alcohol.

The main objective of your new Chinese family is to make you drink and eat as much as possible. They will be content to understand that you are enjoying yourself, so dont forget to compliment the food whenever you see fit and dont be shy to express to them you're full the instant you feel that you cant consume anymore food. Usually all the dishes are going to be positioned in the center of the table, which might or will not be a rotating platform. If you cannot use chopsticks well, avoid embarrassment by asking your girlfriend to sit down beside you and assist you to serve food from the table center. Because the dinning table is the stage for the majority of social events in China, you will obtain yourself a lot of advantage once you know making use of these events for you to sell your image to your new Chinese family.

Showing your new Chinese family that you are acquainted with their ways, will help them accept you in spite of your cultural differences. Being polite and respectful to them can give them the assurance they need in order to entrust their daughter to you.




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