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Whether you are giving a gift or on the receiving end, gift giving is an important custom many countries around the globe have adapted for centuries. And with the holidays right around the corner, there is no better time to show your appreciation or affection for someone then by adopting the necessary international traditions. 

But before you are obliged to whip out your wallet and head on a shopping spree, please be mindful of the following gift gestures that will come in handy when showing gratitute to your host.

Russia

Just about every woman enjoys the gift of beautifully scented fresh flowers, and the same can be said about the ladies of Russia. However, no two flowers are held in the same esteem, so before heading to the local florist it is best to get your colors and quantity right. 

Imagine greeting your special someone with a dozen red roses, but instead of a thrilled reaction she adamantly rejects your loving gesture. In Russia, this grand sign of affection is more like taking a trip to the grave since an even number of flowers are used during funerals.

You’ll also want to refrain from giving yellow flowers unless you want your mate to burst into tears.  That’s because the bright floral arrangement is typically a nice way to say the relationship is over; give both and you’ll probably be buried six feet under by a woman scorned.

Japan

If you’ve ever thought there was not a right or wrong way to accept and give a gift then you'd better listen up.  Both hands are required to be open to appropriately follow the gift giving protocol in Japan.

Gifts are so intricately woven into the country’s culture even the way they are perceived can deem the giver and receiver rude. Therefore, in order to truly show one’s appreciation, both hands must be free by both parties. So the next time you’re required to hand over a gift and accept one for that matter, utilize the left and the right.

Korea

Showing up to a person’s house empty handed is never proper etiquette, especially if you want to be a repeat guest in Korea. But although the complimentary bottle of wine or fruit basket may be reciprocated with a gracious thank you, you might be asked to leave if multiples or four are displayed in your gift.

Koreans do not take the number four lightly. In fact, the integer signifies bad luck, which is never a great sign to the receiver as well as the bewildering gift giver. There’s no worse feeling than having looks of disappointment displayed across a recipient’s face when a present is handed to them, which will be the case if your gift guarantees a lifetime of misfortunes.

China

Not everyone is taught to graciously accept a gift when it is first given to you. Just ask the Chinese, who traditionally refuse an offering three times before accepting it to appear modest. Those foreign to the idea may look at this tradition as strange particularly when feeling the sting of rejection.

Nevertheless, the feeling of rejection is incomparable to the presumptuous demeanor that is noted when acquiring a gift too hastily. Just remember to present your kind offer a fourth time to ensure it is culturally received.

Morocco

There is nothing Moroccans appreciate more than to be showered with thoughtful gifts.  But don’t be offended if your gesture is generously accepted but is opened at a later time. While most of us enjoy witnessing the expression of the recipient’s face after she has clawed her way through the wrapping paper, you typically won’t see this behavior mimicked in Morocco. 

Gifts are chosen to be opened in private rather than in front of the giver, which is an old tradition that many still practice today. Although you may be eager to see the receiver’s initial reaction, in Morocco her acceptance of the generous present is enough.

The Netherlands

Whether or not you are into superstitions, in the Netherlands they have trickled down to the manner in which presents are received.  In fact, you’ll want to resist from offering anything sharp unless you want your gift to be handed right back to you.

So forget about that expensive knife collection that would complement your friend’s stylish kitchen perfectly or even a pair of cool scissors because not only will you be granting your host bad luck, you’ll return home friendless since they also indicate it is time to cut ties.