In 1950's, the most common gift was homemade dumpling-bread. At that time, the country was poor and living material shortage was a general problem. For most Chinese the most realistic and practical Chinese New Year gifts were food.
In 1960's, Chinese government established many "people's communes" in the country. The people got food from the public canteens. Meanwhile they were not allowed to own private property. People chose normally Mao's red book or small groceries with revolution elements as gifts. One example of the Chinese New Year gifts was towels with Mao's quotation printed in red color.
In 1970's, Chinese didn’t celebrate Chinese New Year, because Chinese government tried to reform Chinese culture. At that time all old traditions and customs were thought as the corrupt things which must be removed from Chinese society. Correspondently Chinese didn’t send Chinese New Year gifts to each other.
In 1980's, Chinese New Year festival was recovered. However, Chinese were still poor. Food was still normal gift, but it was packed with gift paper when it was given as Chinese New Year gifts. Additionally, there were more choices in the food market. People chose bread or more expensive food, such as sugar, cakes, tea, etc. as Chinese New Year gifts.
In 1990's, the Chinese food market was already very colorful. Nobody wanted longer to get food as Chinese New Year gifts. Fashionable goods, such as electronic watch, clothes in Hong Kong styles, etc, became popular Chinese New Year gifts. However, the most practical Chinese New Year gifts in the period were liquaor/wine and cigarettes. Even those who didn't drink alcohol and smoke liked the gifts, because they could send them as Chinese New Year gifts to others.
In 2000's, Chinese living standard raised up continually. The people concentrated on life quality. Health cultivation became one of the most cared themes for them. As a result, it was very popular to give health products as Chinese New Year gifts. Expensive health products with beautiful Chinese New Year packaging covered over a half part of the Chinese New Year gift marked. Electronic products and jewelry were also popular. The Chinese New Year gifts in the period must be expensive.
In 2010's, the people cared more and more about living taste. Elegant or high technological products were the most popular Chinese New Year gifts. However, gift cost was still an important factor when choosing Chinese New Year gifts. It was usual that people presented gift cards except the mentioned products as Chinese New Year gifts.
The public holiday and zodiac sign of Chinese New Year 2017
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Chinese New Year musics