|
Post by wanderer on Dec 31, 2016 10:14:37 GMT -5
I am thinking of going to China some point in 2017 to search for relatives and jiapu. If I am given the opportunity, am I expected to pay for the zupu/jiapu or will they give it to me freely if I just ask? If I am expected to pay or make a donation, how much approximately can I be expected to pay?
Are there any other protocols/rituals I should be aware of?
|
|
|
Post by gckimm on Jan 1, 2017 20:15:35 GMT -5
Hi: It is a good idea to bring a supply of "red envelopes" and currency with you to give as gifts in appreciation for any help you receive. The amount would depend on a number of factors, including your financial means, your relationship with the people (close relatives, distant relations, or total strangers?), and the degree to which they help you. Prepare the envelopes beforehand so that you don't have to handle money in front of people and make sure the envelopes are appropriate (for example, don't give out New Year envelopes if it is not the New Year). If there are children around--related to those who are assisting you--you could give them red envelopes with smaller amounts. I would hope that the exchange of genealogical data would not be a business transaction but a friendly sharing of information, based on family ties. If people seem out to make money, I would be suspicious. Save the distribution of red envelopes for the time just before you leave and be very careful not to draw attention to the fact that you are carrying cash.
|
|
|
Post by helen on Jan 2, 2017 0:52:10 GMT -5
Most people just don't happen to have a spare copy of a jiapu. And they are probably less likely to offer any assistance, if you haven't done your home work. You may be best to make your own family tree up, as far back as you can go. Take copies, especially with your photos. Then you can prove that your tree is part of their tree. Don't expect miracles, first time round. You have to work on the relationships.
Take a few spares with you, so you can scrawl on some copies for your self. Word of advice, take some one who can be the go between - if you have language difficulties - and NEVER use a colour pen - best to use a black one. As Colour writing does not scan well. Lesson learnt from my last visit to the village. I have had to get someone to re-write what was written in blue pen.
|
|
|
Post by wanderer on Jun 13, 2017 12:35:56 GMT -5
I'm confused. Isn't the point of giving a red envelope to give it right at the beginning? I don't quite understand Chinese culture as far as red packets go, but I thought that while on the surface it was about gift-giving, that the point was to establish in some sense a tie of obligation - a sort of inducement for people to help you?
I read that it's very common in China that if you want to get things done, even with relatives who you are not close to, that you are expected to give red packets first. Is this wrong?
|
|