Brazil Gift Giving Customs
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Brazil is a multicultural society. Its early influence included strong colonial ties with the Portuguese empire. Brazilian culture also has contributions of European and Asian immigrants, Native South Americans and African slaves.
[edit] Social Etiquette
Cheek-kissing is very common in Brazil, both among women and between women and men. Two men will shake hands. Attempting to shake hands while being offered a kiss can be considered odd, but never rude. You should not kiss on the cheek, but actually beside it in the air. Placing your lips on a stranger's cheek can be perceived as odd.
[edit] Business Gift Giving Guidelines
- Hospitality is important, but business gift giving is not universal among businesspeople.
- Gifts should not be given on the first meeting.
- Secretaries at Brazilian companies can be very helpful, and a gift of a scarf or perfume is a good way to express appreciation. However, gifts to members of the opposite sex can be misinterpreted; a man should say "This is from my wife" when giving a gift to a woman.
- Be cautious about gifts with a green-and-yellow color scheme, which represents the national colors. Gifts should be stylish.
- Do not give something obviously expensive this will cause embarrassment or be misinterpreted as a bribe.
- Small electronic items.
- Small inexpensive name brand pens.
- Avoid practical gifts such as key chains, wallets, or jewelry. They may be misinterpreted as too personal.
[edit] Personal Gift Giving
- When invited into a home, the Brazilian gift giving custom is to bring wine, scotch, or champagne.
- Always bring something for the children, if present. US sports team and university apparel are good choices.
[edit] Gifts to Avoid
- Knives or scissors, as these show severing of a close bond.
- 13 of anything, as this number is considered bad luck.
- Anything purple or black (including flowers) as it is a reminder of Lenten season and mourning.
- Handkerchiefs, because they are associated with tears and funerals.
- Items with a green and yellow color scheme, which represent the national colors.
