Southest Asia Customs

Different ethnic groups in southeast Asia retain customs established in ancient times. These customs remain part of everyday life. As a mark of respect to the host country, take the time to find out what the most important customs are, with particular regard to taboos, so as not to offend anyone unknowingly.

• Gift Giving

The largest ethnic groups in Singapore are Chinese, Malay and Indian, and the four national languages are Chinese (Mandarin), Malay, Tamil and English. In gift giving, each ethnic group observes specific customs. Chinese gift giving customarily omits clocks, handkerchiefs, straw sandals, and white, blue and black wrapping paper, all of which have associations with funerals, death and mourning. Scissors, knives and other cutting utensils are also inappropriate gifts because they suggest severing friendships. Because ethnic Malays are Muslim by faith, alcohol is not a suitable gift, nor is anything made of pigskin, or white wrapping paper, because white represents death and mourning. Present a gift with your right hand or with both hands, but not with your left hand. It is the custom among ethnic Indians to give gifts of money in odd rather than even sums, to extend a gift with the right hand or both hands, and to avoid white or black wrapping paper. Floral gifts should exclude frangipani, which are the flowers used in funeral wreaths. Across all three ethnic groups, red is a favored color because it stands for good fortune.

• Bird Walking

In Hong Kong, it is not unusual to see caged birds out for an early morning stroll with their owners. These owners believe that the outing stimulates the birds and enhances their singing. They might pause for a while in a park, before proceeding to a Chinese traditional restaurant for morning tea, where birds and owners can socialize with those of like mind. The bird walking custom dates to China's Ching Dynasty, 1644 to 1911, when the Manchus introduced the custom of bird walking. In those early days, bird walking was reserved for the elite. Today, it is everyman's domain, though it is less prevalent.

• Religious Practices

In the Philippines, where Christianity is the main religion, it is customary for a mass called Misa de Gallo to take place nine days before Christmas. The Panunuluyan pageant re-enacts the story of Joseph and Mary looking for shelter. On Christmas Day, there are hourly masses to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

• Chewing Custom

Chewing betel and areca nut is an ancient custom exclusive to Vietnam, at festivities or simply among friends. They assist digestion and ease stress. They also are altar offerings in ancestral worship.

• Festivals

Northeastern Thailand's festivals reflect longtime customs. In May, Yasothon fires off huge, homemade rockets symbolizing the hope for rain and a successful harvest. Ubon Ratchathani's Candle Festival in July marks Buddhist Lent with street parades of massive candles. In November, the Elephant Roundup in Surin province features about 200 trained elephants who show off their skills.