Formal ceremonial occasions
Weddings
If you are invited to a wedding, it is the custom to bring a present of money.
The gift of money for weddings
- The gift of money is always put into a special type of envelope that is used
especially for this purpose. The envelope and the amount of money will vary by area.
- Sums of money involving the use the number "4" or "9" are not suitable for this type of ceremonial gift because these numbers are inauspicious numbers.
- Because the amount of money appropriate varies by the area and relationship of the giver to the receiver, it is a good idea to consult with friend who is also attending or a knowledgeable acquaintance.
A very rough rule of the thumb for the amount is 30,000 yen for friends, acquaintances, company friends, persons who work under you, etc. If both husband and wife attend, this sum would be 50,000 yen. If the party getting married is a brother, or cousin, the basic amount is 50,000 yen. If both husband and wife attend, this sum increases to 100,000 yen.
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Funerals
If you attend a funeral, it is the custom to give a funeral offering Funeral offering
- The special envelopes used to contain the funeral offering vary depending on the religion of the deceased. If the religion of the deceased is unknown, one general type of envelope for this purpose can be used ("Onrei-zen"). However, such envelopes may have a lotus design on them that is identified with Buddhism and may not be suitable in the case of the deceased so that care should be exercised.
- New money should not be used.
- Because the amount of money appropriate varies by the area and relationship of the giver to the receiver, it is a good idea to consult with friend who is also attending or a knowledgeable acquaintance.
A very rough rule of the thumb for the amount is 30,000 yen for friends, acquaintances, company friends, persons who work under you, etc. If both husband and wife attend, this sum would be 50,000 yen. If the party getting married is a brother, or cousin, the basic amount is 50,000 yen. If both husband and wife attend, this sum increases to 100,000 yen.
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Good manners when using chopsticks
There are several factors concerning the use of chopsticks that are related to good manners.
The main ones are explained below. |
Passing a piece of food directly from one set of chop sticks to another
The use of chopsticks in this manner resembles the way that they are used to pass the bones of a cremated body and therefore, this manner of using chopsticks in connection with food should be avoided.
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Using the tips of one's chopsticks to drag tableware (bowls, etc.) over to you
This is considered to be very bad manners. To move tableware from one position to another, use both hands. |
Wrapping your fingers around your chopsticks and then using the same hand for another task
It is considered unmannered to nest your chopsticks in your hand and use the same hand for another task such as picking up a bowl. |
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