在生日那天送礼物的7个理由
正文翻译
Giving gifts on birthdays is a universal custom all around the world. It’s such a normal part of birthdays and birthday celebrations today.
在生日那天送礼物是世界各地的普遍习俗。这是如今庆祝生日的过程中很正常的一部分。
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Giving gifts on birthdays is a universal custom all around the world. It’s such a normal part of birthdays and birthday celebrations today.
在生日那天送礼物是世界各地的普遍习俗。这是如今庆祝生日的过程中很正常的一部分。
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Why do people give birthday gifts? How is the act of giving presents important on birthdays?
人们为什么要送生日礼物?在生日那天送礼物为什么很重要?
人们为什么要送生日礼物?在生日那天送礼物为什么很重要?
Birthdays symbolise the anniversary you came to this world. They mark the significance of your existence and contributions – and perhaps what others have sacrificed for you, which you may not always agree with.
生日象征着你来到这个世界的周年纪念日。它就像一个里程碑，能让你回忆起过去一年你存在的意义和做出的贡献——也许还有别人为你牺牲了什么，你可能并不总是同意这个说法。
生日象征着你来到这个世界的周年纪念日。它就像一个里程碑，能让你回忆起过去一年你存在的意义和做出的贡献——也许还有别人为你牺牲了什么，你可能并不总是同意这个说法。
When someone’s birthday approaches, you might start thinking of something to get them. It could be a big or small present, with a bit of thought or a great deal of thought put into it.
当某人的生日临近时，你可能会开始考虑送点什么给他。礼物可以是大的，也可以是小的，只要花点心思就可以了。
当某人的生日临近时，你可能会开始考虑送点什么给他。礼物可以是大的，也可以是小的，只要花点心思就可以了。
People give birthday gifts for different reasons, for reasons personal and impersonal. Cultural beliefs and social contexts are often factors why some are keen on gifts to recognise birthday occasions. Who the birthday person is and how they have impacted your life are also influential factors.
人们送生日礼物的原因各不相同，有个人的，也有非个人的。文化信仰和社会背景往往是一些人热衷于用礼物来庆祝生日的原因。过生日的人是谁以及他们在你的生活中的重要性也是影响因素。
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人们送生日礼物的原因各不相同，有个人的，也有非个人的。文化信仰和社会背景往往是一些人热衷于用礼物来庆祝生日的原因。过生日的人是谁以及他们在你的生活中的重要性也是影响因素。
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Here are some reasons why people give gifts on birthdays.
以下是人们在生日那天送礼物的一些原因。
以下是人们在生日那天送礼物的一些原因。
1. Tradition
1. 基于传统
1. 基于传统
Giving presents to someone on their special day is a longstanding historical tradition in some families. It may be tied to bigger standing beliefs that have quite some importance. It’s only natural to continue giving gifts on birthdays according to sacrosanct conventions, respecting established hierarchies and what has always been.
在别人特别的日子送礼物是一些家庭的历史悠久的传统。它可能与更重要的长期信念有关。遵循既定的等级制度和过去的惯例，继续在生日那天送礼物是很自然的。
在别人特别的日子送礼物是一些家庭的历史悠久的传统。它可能与更重要的长期信念有关。遵循既定的等级制度和过去的惯例，继续在生日那天送礼物是很自然的。
Dating back to ancient times, the Romans marked their birthdays and other’s birthdays with lavish banquets and gift giving. Scholarly editor Kathryn Argetsinger discusses this in her Birthday Rituals paper: back then such birthday celebrations intersect between the spheres of social relations and Roman cult practices.
追溯到古代，罗马人用奢华的宴会和赠送礼物来庆祝自己和他人的生日。编辑凯瑟琳.阿格辛格在她的有关生日仪式的学术论文中讨论了这一点:在当时，这样的生日庆祝活动与社会关系和罗马宗教活动有关。
追溯到古代，罗马人用奢华的宴会和赠送礼物来庆祝自己和他人的生日。编辑凯瑟琳.阿格辛格在她的有关生日仪式的学术论文中讨论了这一点:在当时，这样的生日庆祝活动与社会关系和罗马宗教活动有关。
Similarly, in Ancient Egypt pharaohs were presented with special gifts commemorating their ‘becoming birth of God’ day, and this giving tradition is still common practice among Egyptians on their birthdays today.
同样，在古埃及，法老们也会收到特殊的礼物，以纪念他们“成为上帝”的那一天，这种送礼的传统在今天埃及人的生日中仍然很普遍。
同样，在古埃及，法老们也会收到特殊的礼物，以纪念他们“成为上帝”的那一天，这种送礼的传统在今天埃及人的生日中仍然很普遍。
As such, birthday gifting traditionally is a marker of importance and status. Chinese culture celebrates certain ages, with red packets common gifts for younger birthdays to attract abundance and the gift of large banquets for someone aged 60 to honour a full life cycle.
因此，在生日那天收到礼物在传统上是地位尊崇的标志。在中国文化中，也会在特定的年龄进行庆祝，年轻人过生日时通常会收到红包，以祝福他好运，而60岁的人过生日则会举行大型宴会，以纪念一个完整的生命周期。
因此，在生日那天收到礼物在传统上是地位尊崇的标志。在中国文化中，也会在特定的年龄进行庆祝，年轻人过生日时通常会收到红包，以祝福他好运，而60岁的人过生日则会举行大型宴会，以纪念一个完整的生命周期。
2. Ward off evil spirits
2. 驱除邪灵
2. 驱除邪灵
Alongside tradition, gift giving on birthdays is believed to offer protection and strength. During Ancient Greek civilisation, people believed evil spirits haunted the birthday person so they would celebrate and gift gifts as blessings to ward off these energies.
除了传统之外，生日礼物被认为能提供保护的力量。在古希腊时期，人们认为邪灵会缠着过生日的人，所以他们会庆祝并赠送礼物作为祝福来抵御这些邪恶能量。
除了传统之外，生日礼物被认为能提供保护的力量。在古希腊时期，人们认为邪灵会缠着过生日的人，所以他们会庆祝并赠送礼物作为祝福来抵御这些邪恶能量。
As Ralph and Adeline Linton write in their book The Lore of Birthdays, the idea of birthday wishes was rooted in magic. They suggest positive birthday wishes bring good fortune around you and your personal spirits on your birthday.
正如拉尔夫.林顿和艾德琳.林顿在他们的书《生日的学问》中所写的那样，生日祝福的想法源于魔法。他们认为，积极的生日祝福会给你带来好运，也会让你在生日那天精神抖擞。
正如拉尔夫.林顿和艾德琳.林顿在他们的书《生日的学问》中所写的那样，生日祝福的想法源于魔法。他们认为，积极的生日祝福会给你带来好运，也会让你在生日那天精神抖擞。
3. Love, care and appreciation
3.爱，关心和感激
3.爱，关心和感激
Perhaps you give someone a birthday gift to tell them that their existence is important to you. You want them to know you love, care and appreciate them, and they matter to you and have a place in your life after yet another year – especially if you are close to them.
也许你送某人生日礼物是为了告诉他们，他们的存在对你很重要。你想让他们知道你爱他们，关心他们，感激他们，他们对你很重要，在你的生活中占有一席之地，尤其是如果你和他们很亲近的话。
也许你送某人生日礼物是为了告诉他们，他们的存在对你很重要。你想让他们知道你爱他们，关心他们，感激他们，他们对你很重要，在你的生活中占有一席之地，尤其是如果你和他们很亲近的话。
4. Social pressure
4. 社会压力
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4. 社会压力
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You might feel peer pressured into giving the birthday person a gift when others are giving gifts, giving for the sake of giving. This could be the case if you’re part of a social or work group and have to keep up appearances and pleasantries to get along with others.
当其他人为了送礼而送礼的时候，你可能会感到来自他们的压力，不得不给过生日的人送礼物。如果你是一个社交或工作团体的一员，并且必须保持体面和礼貌才能与他人相处，就可能会出现这种情况。
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当其他人为了送礼而送礼的时候，你可能会感到来自他们的压力，不得不给过生日的人送礼物。如果你是一个社交或工作团体的一员，并且必须保持体面和礼貌才能与他人相处，就可能会出现这种情况。
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In the past I had some colleagues who liked celebrating their birthday at work. Usually there’d be an afternoon tea for the birthday person. You’d either have to chip in a few dollars for a gift or bring a snack to the party.
过去，我有一些同事喜欢在工作时庆祝生日。通常过生日的人会喝下午茶。你要么花几美元买礼物，要么带点零食去参加聚会。
过去，我有一些同事喜欢在工作时庆祝生日。通常过生日的人会喝下午茶。你要么花几美元买礼物，要么带点零食去参加聚会。
If someone throws a big birthday party with a long guest list and you’re invited, it’s generally polite to bring something for them. After all, there’s quite a bit of effort that goes into putting together a birthday party for people to enjoy.
如果有人举办了一场盛大的生日派对，宾客名单很长，而你又被邀请了，通常带点东西给他们是礼貌的。毕竟，为了让人们享受生日派对，需要付出相当大的努力。
如果有人举办了一场盛大的生日派对，宾客名单很长，而你又被邀请了，通常带点东西给他们是礼貌的。毕竟，为了让人们享受生日派对，需要付出相当大的努力。
5. Mark milestones
5. 纪念一个里程碑
5. 纪念一个里程碑
You might give someone a birthday gift to celebrate how far they’ve come and acknowledge what they achieved over the past year. Or it could’ve been a challenging year for them and you want them to have a treat.
你可能会送某人一份生日礼物，来庆祝他们在过去的一年里取得的进步和成就。或者今年对他们来说是充满挑战的一年，你想让他们好好享受一下。
你可能会送某人一份生日礼物，来庆祝他们在过去的一年里取得的进步和成就。或者今年对他们来说是充满挑战的一年，你想让他们好好享受一下。
As mentioned previously, in Chinese culture when someone is mature, they’re considered wiser. Presenting a gift to a mature Chinese person on their birthday is a way to honour their wisdom acquired so to speak.
如前所述，在中国文化中，当一个人变得更成熟时，他们被认为更有智慧。可以说，在一个中国人生日那天送给他礼物是对他变得更有智慧的祝贺。
如前所述，在中国文化中，当一个人变得更成熟时，他们被认为更有智慧。可以说，在一个中国人生日那天送给他礼物是对他变得更有智慧的祝贺。
6. To help someone out
6. 帮助某人摆脱困境
6. 帮助某人摆脱困境
Sometimes you just want someone to have a good day on their birthday. You’re inclined to give them the gift of a helping hand. You offer to do them a favour as you want to make their life easier on their birthday, showing up for them.
有时候你只是想让别人在生日那天过得愉快。你倾向于向他们伸出援助之手作为送给他们的生日礼物。你主动提出帮他们的忙，因为你想让他们的生日过得更轻松，更引人注目。
有时候你只是想让别人在生日那天过得愉快。你倾向于向他们伸出援助之手作为送给他们的生日礼物。你主动提出帮他们的忙，因为你想让他们的生日过得更轻松，更引人注目。
After all, birthdays might be important to you and you like the feeling that comes with celebrating your birthday – and you want others to feel the same good feeling as well.
毕竟，生日对你来说可能很重要，你喜欢庆祝生日的感觉——你希望别人也能有同样的感觉。
毕竟，生日对你来说可能很重要，你喜欢庆祝生日的感觉——你希望别人也能有同样的感觉。
7. Connection
7. 联系
7. 联系
You give a birthday gift because you want to build or maintain a connection in your life. Perhaps you benefit from this connection, or you and the birthday person mutually share a deep relationship together. So a birthday gift is a way to show this relationship is important to you year after year.
你送生日礼物是因为你想在你的生活中建立或保持一种联系。也许你会从这种联系中受益，或者你和过生日的人有着深厚的感情。所以生日礼物是一种表明这种关系对你很重要的方式。
你送生日礼物是因为你想在你的生活中建立或保持一种联系。也许你会从这种联系中受益，或者你和过生日的人有着深厚的感情。所以生日礼物是一种表明这种关系对你很重要的方式。
* * *
Most of the time you don’t give a stranger a gift on their birthday. You generally know the birthday person in the first place.
大多数时候，你不会在陌生人过生日那天送他们礼物。你通常一开始就知道过生日的人是谁。
Most of the time you don’t give a stranger a gift on their birthday. You generally know the birthday person in the first place.
大多数时候，你不会在陌生人过生日那天送他们礼物。你通常一开始就知道过生日的人是谁。
As such, birthday gift giving is often an act of intimacy. When you put careful thought into a birthday gift, you prioritise the birthday person and their existence as a part of your life. Your relationship with them is not an unforgettable, mundane transaction but a meaningful one.
因此，送生日礼物通常是一种亲密的行为。当你仔细考虑送什么生日礼物时，你会首先考虑过生日的人作为你生活中的一部分是如何存在的。你和他们的关系不仅是难忘的、平凡的，而且是意义重大的。
因此，送生日礼物通常是一种亲密的行为。当你仔细考虑送什么生日礼物时，你会首先考虑过生日的人作为你生活中的一部分是如何存在的。你和他们的关系不仅是难忘的、平凡的，而且是意义重大的。
The act of gift giving is arguably tied to the construction of social intimate identities of yourself and others. As the giver you unconsciously project your personality and an imagination of who the recipient is onto your chosen gift. The person receiving it has a choice of accepting this identity projection on them.
可以说，赠送礼物的行为与你和他人的社会亲密关系的构建有关。作为送礼物的人，你会不自觉地把你的个性和对收礼物的人的认知投射到你选择的礼物上。接受它的人就说明他选择接受你对他们的认知。
可以说，赠送礼物的行为与你和他人的社会亲密关系的构建有关。作为送礼物的人，你会不自觉地把你的个性和对收礼物的人的认知投射到你选择的礼物上。接受它的人就说明他选择接受你对他们的认知。
Giving presents on birthdays these days is certainly not compulsory. Personally I respect people when they say they don’t want anything on their birthday and don’t argue with them, and don’t get them a present. Instead I’d spend some time with them around their solar return. It’s a subtle way on my part to show them they are important to me.
在生日那天送礼物当然不是强制性的。就我个人而言，我尊重那些说在生日那天不想要任何东西的人，不要和他们争论，也不要给他们买礼物。相反，我会在他们生日那天花些时间和他们在一起。这是我向他们展示他们对我很重要的一种微妙的方式。
在生日那天送礼物当然不是强制性的。就我个人而言，我尊重那些说在生日那天不想要任何东西的人，不要和他们争论，也不要给他们买礼物。相反，我会在他们生日那天花些时间和他们在一起。这是我向他们展示他们对我很重要的一种微妙的方式。
There are different kinds of birthday gifts, tangible and intangible. You could gift a new phone or a box of chocolates, or an experience such as a membership pass or voucher. The closer you are to the birthday person, you are more likely to put more thought into how they want to celebrate their birthday (or not) and their birthday gift.
生日礼物有很多种，包括有形的和无形的。你可以送一部新手机或一盒巧克力，或者一种体验卡，比如会员卡或代金券。你和过生日的人关系越亲密，你就越有可能更多地考虑他们想要如何庆祝(或不庆祝)他们的生日和他们的生日礼物。
生日礼物有很多种，包括有形的和无形的。你可以送一部新手机或一盒巧克力，或者一种体验卡，比如会员卡或代金券。你和过生日的人关系越亲密，你就越有可能更多地考虑他们想要如何庆祝(或不庆祝)他们的生日和他们的生日礼物。
When you give someone a birthday gift, you often think about their personality. You may wonder if the gift(s) you have in mind will match their personality and tastes. Or if it’s too pricey or extravagant for their liking. When coming up with a birthday gift for someone, it can be a test of how well you know them – and how much they matter to you.
当你送别人生日礼物时，你通常会考虑到他们的个性。你可能会想知道你的礼物是否符合他们的个性和品味。或者对他们来说是否太贵或太奢侈了。当为某人准备生日礼物时，这可以看出你对他们有多了解，以及他们对你有多重要。
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当你送别人生日礼物时，你通常会考虑到他们的个性。你可能会想知道你的礼物是否符合他们的个性和品味。或者对他们来说是否太贵或太奢侈了。当为某人准备生日礼物时，这可以看出你对他们有多了解，以及他们对你有多重要。
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Just as it’s a personal thing for someone to receive a birthday gift, it’s also a personal thing for you when you give someone a birthday gift.
就像别人收到生日礼物是一件个人的事情一样，当你给别人生日礼物的时候，这也是你个人的事情。
就像别人收到生日礼物是一件个人的事情一样，当你给别人生日礼物的时候，这也是你个人的事情。
Do you or don’t you give birthday gifts?
所以你会不会给别人送生日礼物呢?
所以你会不会给别人送生日礼物呢?
评论翻译
Rebecca
I absolutely give on birthdays, whether homemade crafts, something thoughtfully-bought, or both. Even though I know of people who care less about celebrating their birthdays as they get older year after year, I’m a firm believer in always celebrating; after all, it’s a big deal to know that you’ve gone through another year of changes, so why not relish that? Celebrating could be as simple as a small gift and cake at home, or as big as a fancy dinner or vacation!
我绝对会在生日时送礼物，无论是自制的手工艺品，还是精心买的东西，或者两者兼而有之。尽管我知道有些人随着年岁的增长而越来越不关心庆祝生日，但我坚定地相信总是应该要庆祝。毕竟，知道自己又经历了一年的变化是件大事，所以为什么不好好享受呢?庆祝活动可以简单到在家里买个小礼物和蛋糕，也可以大到吃一顿丰盛的晚餐或度假!
I absolutely give on birthdays, whether homemade crafts, something thoughtfully-bought, or both. Even though I know of people who care less about celebrating their birthdays as they get older year after year, I’m a firm believer in always celebrating; after all, it’s a big deal to know that you’ve gone through another year of changes, so why not relish that? Celebrating could be as simple as a small gift and cake at home, or as big as a fancy dinner or vacation!
我绝对会在生日时送礼物，无论是自制的手工艺品，还是精心买的东西，或者两者兼而有之。尽管我知道有些人随着年岁的增长而越来越不关心庆祝生日，但我坚定地相信总是应该要庆祝。毕竟，知道自己又经历了一年的变化是件大事，所以为什么不好好享受呢?庆祝活动可以简单到在家里买个小礼物和蛋糕，也可以大到吃一顿丰盛的晚餐或度假!
Mabel Kwong
Although I am not big on birthday celebrations myself, I like your positive take on birthdays, Rebecca. A lot can happen in a year, and birthdays are a way to look back and as you said, relish the changes and what you’ve gone through.
Cake is amazing. And a birthday is a good excuse to have some cake!
虽然我自己不太喜欢庆祝生日，但我喜欢你对生日的积极态度，丽贝卡。一年里会发生很多事，过生日是一种回顾的方式，正如你所说的，享受变化和你所经历的一切。蛋糕太棒了。过生日是吃蛋糕的好借口!
Although I am not big on birthday celebrations myself, I like your positive take on birthdays, Rebecca. A lot can happen in a year, and birthdays are a way to look back and as you said, relish the changes and what you’ve gone through.
Cake is amazing. And a birthday is a good excuse to have some cake!
虽然我自己不太喜欢庆祝生日，但我喜欢你对生日的积极态度，丽贝卡。一年里会发生很多事，过生日是一种回顾的方式，正如你所说的，享受变化和你所经历的一切。蛋糕太棒了。过生日是吃蛋糕的好借口!
Ray
I find I like birthdays less as I get older, but sometimes any excuse is nice to have a party and get together with friends.
It can be very stressful thinking of presents though. That’s why I like the tradition of just cash in an envelope!
随着年龄的增长，我发现我越来越不喜欢过生日，但有时任何借口都足以举办一场很好的聚会，可以和朋友聚在一起。不过想到要送礼物可能会很有压力。这就是为什么我喜欢把现金装在信封里这个传统!
原创翻译：龙腾网 https://www.ltaaa.cn 转载请注明出处
I find I like birthdays less as I get older, but sometimes any excuse is nice to have a party and get together with friends.
It can be very stressful thinking of presents though. That’s why I like the tradition of just cash in an envelope!
随着年龄的增长，我发现我越来越不喜欢过生日，但有时任何借口都足以举办一场很好的聚会，可以和朋友聚在一起。不过想到要送礼物可能会很有压力。这就是为什么我喜欢把现金装在信封里这个传统!
原创翻译：龙腾网 https://www.ltaaa.cn 转载请注明出处
Mabel Kwong
I am with you, Ray. The older I am, the less enthusiastic I am about celebrating my birthday.
Cash is a good birthday gift, at least for me. And also, cake.
我支持你，雷。我年纪越大，就越不热衷于庆祝生日。现金是一个很好的生日礼物，至少对我来说是这样。还有蛋糕。
I am with you, Ray. The older I am, the less enthusiastic I am about celebrating my birthday.
Cash is a good birthday gift, at least for me. And also, cake.
我支持你，雷。我年纪越大，就越不热衷于庆祝生日。现金是一个很好的生日礼物，至少对我来说是这样。还有蛋糕。
Peace.Love.Veggies
Excellent post my friend! I certainly prefer to give than receive however I think it is nice to gift experiences over material possessions. Maybe taking somebody out for dinner or a movie ticket or a massage is nicer than cluttering their homes with things. If I do get them a physical gift, I try to make sure it is useful and come in handy often!
很棒的帖子，我的朋友!我当然更喜欢给予而不是接受，因为我认为赠送别人礼物的体验比自己获得物质和财富更好。也许带别人出去吃饭、看电影或做按摩比把家里堆满东西要好。如果我给他们送礼物，我会尽量确保它是有用的，经常会派上用场!
Excellent post my friend! I certainly prefer to give than receive however I think it is nice to gift experiences over material possessions. Maybe taking somebody out for dinner or a movie ticket or a massage is nicer than cluttering their homes with things. If I do get them a physical gift, I try to make sure it is useful and come in handy often!
很棒的帖子，我的朋友!我当然更喜欢给予而不是接受，因为我认为赠送别人礼物的体验比自己获得物质和财富更好。也许带别人出去吃饭、看电影或做按摩比把家里堆满东西要好。如果我给他们送礼物，我会尽量确保它是有用的，经常会派上用场!
Mabel Kwong
Thank you so much! You are so kind, prefer to give than to receive. I agree, experiences make great gifts, especially the ones when you can spend time together. Hope to catch up with you at some point my friend! Miss you and hope you are well
非常感谢!你是如此善良，宁愿给予而不愿接受。我同意体验是一种很好的财富，尤其是当你们能在一起聚会的时候。希望在某个时候能和你见面，我的朋友!想念你，希望你一切都好
Thank you so much! You are so kind, prefer to give than to receive. I agree, experiences make great gifts, especially the ones when you can spend time together. Hope to catch up with you at some point my friend! Miss you and hope you are well
非常感谢!你是如此善良，宁愿给予而不愿接受。我同意体验是一种很好的财富，尤其是当你们能在一起聚会的时候。希望在某个时候能和你见面，我的朋友!想念你，希望你一切都好
delphini510
Beautifully written article, Mabel. I still buy birthday presents and spend time ahead to steer conversation to see what the person really would like. My view of birthday coincide a lot with your.
I also love the feeling of family and friends around me on my birthday , be it in real life or by phone and cards.
文章写得很好，梅布尔。我仍然会买生日礼物，提前花时间
进行谈话，看看对方真正想要的是什么。我对生日的看法和你很一致。我也喜欢家人和朋友在我过生日时围着我的感觉，无论是在现实生活中，或者只是通过打电话和寄卡片。
原创翻译：龙腾网 https://www.ltaaa.cn 转载请注明出处
Beautifully written article, Mabel. I still buy birthday presents and spend time ahead to steer conversation to see what the person really would like. My view of birthday coincide a lot with your.
I also love the feeling of family and friends around me on my birthday , be it in real life or by phone and cards.
文章写得很好，梅布尔。我仍然会买生日礼物，提前花时间
进行谈话，看看对方真正想要的是什么。我对生日的看法和你很一致。我也喜欢家人和朋友在我过生日时围着我的感觉，无论是在现实生活中，或者只是通过打电话和寄卡片。
原创翻译：龙腾网 https://www.ltaaa.cn 转载请注明出处
Mabel Kwong
Thank you for your kind words, Delphini. That is very nice of you to buy birthday presents for the people around you, and try to find out what they would really like. It reminds me of birthday and gift lists (which are also pretty common for Christmas). I hope you get to spend many more birthdays with friends and family and lots of love all round – and you enjoy every moment and make great memories
谢谢你的夸奖，德尔菲尼。你为身边的人买生日礼物，并试着找出他们真正喜欢的是什么，这真是太好了。这让我想起了生日礼物清单(这在圣诞节也很常见)。我希望你能和朋友和家人一起度过更多的生日，相亲相爱——享受每一刻，并留下美好的回忆。
Thank you for your kind words, Delphini. That is very nice of you to buy birthday presents for the people around you, and try to find out what they would really like. It reminds me of birthday and gift lists (which are also pretty common for Christmas). I hope you get to spend many more birthdays with friends and family and lots of love all round – and you enjoy every moment and make great memories
谢谢你的夸奖，德尔菲尼。你为身边的人买生日礼物，并试着找出他们真正喜欢的是什么，这真是太好了。这让我想起了生日礼物清单(这在圣诞节也很常见)。我希望你能和朋友和家人一起度过更多的生日，相亲相爱——享受每一刻，并留下美好的回忆。
Gary
A very thought-provoking post, Mabel. I’ve given gifts to people with who I thought I had a friendly connection, only for them to become then distant. What I thought was a friendly gesture was taken as an intrusion.
一个非常发人深省的帖子，梅布尔。我曾经送过礼物给那些我以为和我关系很好的人，结果他们却和我疏远了。我以为这是一种友好的表现，却被当成了一种侵扰。
A very thought-provoking post, Mabel. I’ve given gifts to people with who I thought I had a friendly connection, only for them to become then distant. What I thought was a friendly gesture was taken as an intrusion.
一个非常发人深省的帖子，梅布尔。我曾经送过礼物给那些我以为和我关系很好的人，结果他们却和我疏远了。我以为这是一种友好的表现，却被当成了一种侵扰。
Mabel Kwong
I am sorry to hear that some of your gifts were not well received. In these situations you learn those who are really there for you.
我很遗憾听到你的一些礼物不受欢迎。但在这种情况下，你会知道谁是你真正的朋友。
I am sorry to hear that some of your gifts were not well received. In these situations you learn those who are really there for you.
我很遗憾听到你的一些礼物不受欢迎。但在这种情况下，你会知道谁是你真正的朋友。
Rajagopal
There is a universality about birthday celebrations, as well as slight variances in the manner of its celebration across cultures. At the level of juveniles, during my times that is, it ranged from a morning visit to the nearby temple, wearing new clothes and a birthday feast, of purely vegetarian dishes, with friends and relatives conveying greetings accompanied mostly by gifts. As one advances in years, the practice of gifting articles recedes and only the celebratory factor remains. Gifting is sometimes still retained by way of according an experience by sponsoring lunch or dinner or a pilgrimage or a visit to some exotic destination. Notably, blowing out lit candles on a cake and cutting it, is not part of Indian culture. How are birthdays celebrated in Chinese societies?
生日庆祝活动具有普遍性，不同文化的庆祝方式也略有不同。在我还是青少年的时候，它包括早上去附近的寺庙祈福，穿新衣服和一个纯素食的生日宴会，朋友和亲戚互相问候，并赠送礼物。随着年龄的增长，赠送礼物的做法逐渐减少，只剩下了庆祝。送礼物有时仍会以一种体验活动的方式保留下来，如支付午餐或晚餐、朝圣或参观一些有异国情调的景点。值得注意的是，吹灭蛋糕上点燃的蜡烛并切开蛋糕，这在印度文化中不会出现。中国人是如何庆祝生日的?
There is a universality about birthday celebrations, as well as slight variances in the manner of its celebration across cultures. At the level of juveniles, during my times that is, it ranged from a morning visit to the nearby temple, wearing new clothes and a birthday feast, of purely vegetarian dishes, with friends and relatives conveying greetings accompanied mostly by gifts. As one advances in years, the practice of gifting articles recedes and only the celebratory factor remains. Gifting is sometimes still retained by way of according an experience by sponsoring lunch or dinner or a pilgrimage or a visit to some exotic destination. Notably, blowing out lit candles on a cake and cutting it, is not part of Indian culture. How are birthdays celebrated in Chinese societies?
生日庆祝活动具有普遍性，不同文化的庆祝方式也略有不同。在我还是青少年的时候，它包括早上去附近的寺庙祈福，穿新衣服和一个纯素食的生日宴会，朋友和亲戚互相问候，并赠送礼物。随着年龄的增长，赠送礼物的做法逐渐减少，只剩下了庆祝。送礼物有时仍会以一种体验活动的方式保留下来，如支付午餐或晚餐、朝圣或参观一些有异国情调的景点。值得注意的是，吹灭蛋糕上点燃的蜡烛并切开蛋糕，这在印度文化中不会出现。中国人是如何庆祝生日的?
Mabel Kwong
Thank you for sharing how birthdays are celebrated in your culture, Raj. I really enjoyed reading your reflection and recollections. It is interesting to hear that birthday gifting receded as you grew wiser – and in a way, I am guessing birthdays got quieter but no less meaningful for you, perhaps even more meaningful and thoughtful. Very interesting to hear that blowing out candles and cutting cake is not a part of Indian culture. Maybe that is more of a Western thing.
In Chinese culture, people do like to make a fuss around birthdays. It’s a big deal with a child turns one and there is almost always a party for the child – usually a birthday in bright colours and clothes such as red and yellow. Having cake on birthdays in Chinese culture is also quite popular. Growing up in Malaysia, cake shops selling birthday cakes were very common and a lot of my Chinese relatives looked forward to eating birthday cake – be it theirs or someone else’s cake.
拉杰，谢谢你分享你们文化中庆祝生日的方式。我真的很喜欢读你的反思和回忆。有趣的是，当你变得更聪慧时，生日礼物就会减少——在某种程度上，我猜生日那天对你来说变得更安静了，但其意义并没有减少，甚至可能更有意义和深度了。很有趣的是，吹蜡烛和切蛋糕不是印度文化的一部分，也许这更像是西方的文化。在中国文化中，人们喜欢在过生日时一起嬉闹。当孩子满一岁的时候，这是一件大事，几乎总是有一个为孩子举行的派对——通常是一个色彩鲜艳的生日派对，人们穿着红色和黄色的衣服。在中国文化中，在过生日时吃蛋糕也是很受欢迎的。我在马来西亚长大，卖生日蛋糕的蛋糕店很常见，我的很多中国亲戚都很期待吃生日蛋糕——无论是在他们自己的生日派对上还是别人的生日派对上。
Thank you for sharing how birthdays are celebrated in your culture, Raj. I really enjoyed reading your reflection and recollections. It is interesting to hear that birthday gifting receded as you grew wiser – and in a way, I am guessing birthdays got quieter but no less meaningful for you, perhaps even more meaningful and thoughtful. Very interesting to hear that blowing out candles and cutting cake is not a part of Indian culture. Maybe that is more of a Western thing.
In Chinese culture, people do like to make a fuss around birthdays. It’s a big deal with a child turns one and there is almost always a party for the child – usually a birthday in bright colours and clothes such as red and yellow. Having cake on birthdays in Chinese culture is also quite popular. Growing up in Malaysia, cake shops selling birthday cakes were very common and a lot of my Chinese relatives looked forward to eating birthday cake – be it theirs or someone else’s cake.
拉杰，谢谢你分享你们文化中庆祝生日的方式。我真的很喜欢读你的反思和回忆。有趣的是，当你变得更聪慧时，生日礼物就会减少——在某种程度上，我猜生日那天对你来说变得更安静了，但其意义并没有减少，甚至可能更有意义和深度了。很有趣的是，吹蜡烛和切蛋糕不是印度文化的一部分，也许这更像是西方的文化。在中国文化中，人们喜欢在过生日时一起嬉闹。当孩子满一岁的时候，这是一件大事，几乎总是有一个为孩子举行的派对——通常是一个色彩鲜艳的生日派对，人们穿着红色和黄色的衣服。在中国文化中，在过生日时吃蛋糕也是很受欢迎的。我在马来西亚长大，卖生日蛋糕的蛋糕店很常见，我的很多中国亲戚都很期待吃生日蛋糕——无论是在他们自己的生日派对上还是别人的生日派对上。
AutumnAshbough
Birthdays were huge when I was a kid! Doughnuts, cake, and more attention than my siblings.
It took me years to really understand that my Chinese American husband just doesn’t look at birthdays and holidays the same way. Thanks to watching way too much American TV, he knows about gifts and the traditions, but he really just doesn’t see the point. He wouldn’t care if we didn’t celebrate his birthday (although he does like cake!) and has a hard time grasping why I was devastated the year he “didn’t bother” with a Christmas present.
当我还是个孩子的时候，生日派对是盛大的!我会得到甜甜圈，蛋糕，也会比我的兄弟姐妹更受关注。我花了很多年才真正明白，我的华裔美国丈夫对生日和节日的看法和我不同。由于看了太多的美剧，他知道西方关于在节日送礼物的传统，但他真的不注重这一点。如果我们不为他庆祝生日，他也不会在意(尽管他确实喜欢吃蛋糕!)，而且我很难理解为什么他“懒得”送我圣诞礼物，那一年我非常伤心。
Birthdays were huge when I was a kid! Doughnuts, cake, and more attention than my siblings.
It took me years to really understand that my Chinese American husband just doesn’t look at birthdays and holidays the same way. Thanks to watching way too much American TV, he knows about gifts and the traditions, but he really just doesn’t see the point. He wouldn’t care if we didn’t celebrate his birthday (although he does like cake!) and has a hard time grasping why I was devastated the year he “didn’t bother” with a Christmas present.
当我还是个孩子的时候，生日派对是盛大的!我会得到甜甜圈，蛋糕，也会比我的兄弟姐妹更受关注。我花了很多年才真正明白，我的华裔美国丈夫对生日和节日的看法和我不同。由于看了太多的美剧，他知道西方关于在节日送礼物的传统，但他真的不注重这一点。如果我们不为他庆祝生日，他也不会在意(尽管他确实喜欢吃蛋糕!)，而且我很难理解为什么他“懒得”送我圣诞礼物，那一年我非常伤心。
Mabel Kwong
It really did sound like you had huge birthdays as a kid. When you mentioned there were doughnuts and cake, somehow I thought you had doughnut cake.
I am like your husband, don’t mind not spending birthdays. But both giving and receiving presents is a lovely thing on your birthday, and even at Christmas – it’s always the thought that counts.
听起来你小时候的生日过得很隆重。当你提到有甜甜圈和蛋糕时，我还以为你有甜甜圈做的蛋糕呢。我就像你老公一样，不介意过不过生日。但是在你的生日，甚至在圣诞节，送礼物和收礼物都是一件很有爱的事情——心意才是最重要的。
It really did sound like you had huge birthdays as a kid. When you mentioned there were doughnuts and cake, somehow I thought you had doughnut cake.
I am like your husband, don’t mind not spending birthdays. But both giving and receiving presents is a lovely thing on your birthday, and even at Christmas – it’s always the thought that counts.
听起来你小时候的生日过得很隆重。当你提到有甜甜圈和蛋糕时，我还以为你有甜甜圈做的蛋糕呢。我就像你老公一样，不介意过不过生日。但是在你的生日，甚至在圣诞节，送礼物和收礼物都是一件很有爱的事情——心意才是最重要的。
Writing to Freedom
This is an interesting exploration Mabel. There are many layers to why and how we express care for others through gift-giving. I like your summary of social connection as the main reason. I used to give more gifts, but have mostly stopped due to limited funds and people I care deeply for.
这是一次有趣的研究，梅布尔。我们为什么以及如何通过赠送礼物来表达对他人的关心有很多因素。我喜欢你对社会关系的总结，这是主要原因。我曾经送过很多人礼物，但由于资金有限和我不想继续深交下去，我基本上都不再送了。
This is an interesting exploration Mabel. There are many layers to why and how we express care for others through gift-giving. I like your summary of social connection as the main reason. I used to give more gifts, but have mostly stopped due to limited funds and people I care deeply for.
这是一次有趣的研究，梅布尔。我们为什么以及如何通过赠送礼物来表达对他人的关心有很多因素。我喜欢你对社会关系的总结，这是主要原因。我曾经送过很多人礼物，但由于资金有限和我不想继续深交下去，我基本上都不再送了。
Mabel Kwong
Thank you so much for your kind reflection, Brad. You are spot on in that there are many layers to the why and how of gift giving. I am sure your friends value you for who you are, irregardless if you have given less gifts over the years.
非常感谢你的反思，布拉德。你说的很对，送礼的原因和方式受很多因素影响。我敢肯定，你的朋友看重的是你这个人，不管这些年你送的礼物是否变少了。
Thank you so much for your kind reflection, Brad. You are spot on in that there are many layers to the why and how of gift giving. I am sure your friends value you for who you are, irregardless if you have given less gifts over the years.
非常感谢你的反思，布拉德。你说的很对，送礼的原因和方式受很多因素影响。我敢肯定，你的朋友看重的是你这个人，不管这些年你送的礼物是否变少了。
Jacqui Murray
I tend to give gifts for the past, not for the future. That way, I’m never disappointed.
我倾向于为过去送礼物，而不是为未来。这样我就永远不会感到失望了。
I tend to give gifts for the past, not for the future. That way, I’m never disappointed.
我倾向于为过去送礼物，而不是为未来。这样我就永远不会感到失望了。
Mabel Kwong
I absolutely love that, ‘give gifts for the past, not the future’. You can’t guess the future but you can always appreciate the past, and with a gift.
我非常喜欢“为过去而不是未来送礼物”这句话。你无法预知未来，但你总能欣赏过去，并拥有一份礼物。
I absolutely love that, ‘give gifts for the past, not the future’. You can’t guess the future but you can always appreciate the past, and with a gift.
我非常喜欢“为过去而不是未来送礼物”这句话。你无法预知未来，但你总能欣赏过去，并拥有一份礼物。
Mallee Stanley
A number of people I know ask the giver to make a donation to the birthday person’s favoured foundation/non-profit organization. I also did this when I was teaching as I felt guilty receiving so many gifts from students.
我认识的许多人要求送礼人向过生日的人喜欢的基金会/非营利组织赠送礼物。当我教书的时候，我也会要求送礼人这样做，因为我从学生那里收到了太多的礼物，我感到很不好意思。
A number of people I know ask the giver to make a donation to the birthday person’s favoured foundation/non-profit organization. I also did this when I was teaching as I felt guilty receiving so many gifts from students.
我认识的许多人要求送礼人向过生日的人喜欢的基金会/非营利组织赠送礼物。当我教书的时候，我也会要求送礼人这样做，因为我从学生那里收到了太多的礼物，我感到很不好意思。
Mabel Kwong
That is very thoughtful of you to say, Mallee. There are indeed many others who had little. If we are able to receive a gift from someone, that is a privilege. Giving to the birthday person’s favoured non-profit organisation sounds is a thoughtful gesture.
I am sure your students meant well when they gave you gifts
你想得真周到，玛莉。确实还有很多人没什么钱，如果我们收到他们的礼物，那会很不好意思。把礼物送给过生日的人最喜欢的非营利组织听起来是一种周全的处理方式。我相信你的学生给你礼物是出于好意。
That is very thoughtful of you to say, Mallee. There are indeed many others who had little. If we are able to receive a gift from someone, that is a privilege. Giving to the birthday person’s favoured non-profit organisation sounds is a thoughtful gesture.
I am sure your students meant well when they gave you gifts
你想得真周到，玛莉。确实还有很多人没什么钱，如果我们收到他们的礼物，那会很不好意思。把礼物送给过生日的人最喜欢的非营利组织听起来是一种周全的处理方式。我相信你的学生给你礼物是出于好意。
balroop
Lovely post Mabel. I like the tradition of giving gifts but didn’t know that they could ward off evil spirits! Some gifts are inspired from social obligations but some are given out of love… those are the real ones. Gifts sound more exciting to children, the charm keeps wearing off with age. The best gifts are given by my husband. Love always wins.
很棒的文章，梅布尔。我喜欢过生日送礼物的传统，但不知道送礼物可以驱邪!有些人送礼物是出于社会交往，但有些人送礼物是出于爱，这些才是真正的礼物。对孩子们来说，获得礼物听起来更令人兴奋，但随着年龄的增长，这种兴奋感会逐渐消失。我获得的最好的礼物是我丈夫送给我的，爱总是最伟大的。
Lovely post Mabel. I like the tradition of giving gifts but didn’t know that they could ward off evil spirits! Some gifts are inspired from social obligations but some are given out of love… those are the real ones. Gifts sound more exciting to children, the charm keeps wearing off with age. The best gifts are given by my husband. Love always wins.
很棒的文章，梅布尔。我喜欢过生日送礼物的传统，但不知道送礼物可以驱邪!有些人送礼物是出于社会交往，但有些人送礼物是出于爱，这些才是真正的礼物。对孩子们来说，获得礼物听起来更令人兴奋，但随着年龄的增长，这种兴奋感会逐渐消失。我获得的最好的礼物是我丈夫送给我的，爱总是最伟大的。
Mabel Kwong
Thanks, Balroop. So agree that gifts given out of love are the best kinds of gifts, especially if they are well thought out and gifts you actually cherish. I think you may be right about gifts being more exciting for children. Children see the world through curious eyes and even a small gift is enough to make their day. I hope your husband keeps giving you the best gifts. You are very lucky to have a thoughtful husband
谢谢你，Balroop。我同意出于爱而送出的礼物是最好的礼物，尤其是如果它们是经过送礼人精心挑选的，那对你来说真的很珍贵。关于礼物对孩子来说更令人兴奋，我想你可能是对的。孩子们总是会用好奇的眼光看待世界，即使是一件小礼物也足以让他们开心一整天。我希望你丈夫会一直给你最好的礼物。你很幸运有一个体贴的丈夫。
Thanks, Balroop. So agree that gifts given out of love are the best kinds of gifts, especially if they are well thought out and gifts you actually cherish. I think you may be right about gifts being more exciting for children. Children see the world through curious eyes and even a small gift is enough to make their day. I hope your husband keeps giving you the best gifts. You are very lucky to have a thoughtful husband
谢谢你，Balroop。我同意出于爱而送出的礼物是最好的礼物，尤其是如果它们是经过送礼人精心挑选的，那对你来说真的很珍贵。关于礼物对孩子来说更令人兴奋，我想你可能是对的。孩子们总是会用好奇的眼光看待世界，即使是一件小礼物也足以让他们开心一整天。我希望你丈夫会一直给你最好的礼物。你很幸运有一个体贴的丈夫。
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