Gifting for Cultural Celebrations Across Asia
Honey Traditions from Japan to the Middle East
From Japan’s minimalist seasonal rituals to the lavish sweets of the Middle East, gifting is woven into celebrations across Asia. Mānuka honey - with its richness, health benefits, and symbolism of sweetness and prosperity - pairs beautifully with gifting customs in Japan, China, South Korea, and the Arabic world. Here’s how to incorporate this golden treasure from M&H Manuka Honey into culturally meaningful moments.
1. Japan: Oseibo & Ochugen — Gratitude in a Gift
Japan observes two formal gifting seasons:
- Ochugen (mid-year, July)
- Oseibo (end-of-year, December)
These gifts are tokens of respect and gratitude — often beautifully packaged and seasonally appropriate.
Perfect gift pairing:
- Mānuka honey poured into minimalist glass jars
- Paired with matcha shortbread or wagashi (traditional sweets)
- Simple washi wrapping and clean labels are appreciated
Recipe: Honey-Matcha Shortbread
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- ¼ cup soft butter
- 2 tbsp Mānuka honey
Mix, chill dough, shape, and bake at 160°C for 10-12 mins.
Gifting tip: Avoid numbers like “4” in sets, as it is considered unlucky.
2. China: Lunar New Year – Auspicious Gifting with Red & Gold
The Chinese Lunar New Year is steeped in symbolism. Gifts should embody good fortune, longevity, and prosperity.
Gifting best practices:
- Use red and gold packaging
- Avoid clocks or sharp objects as gifts
- Monetary gifts are traditional (red envelopes), but luxury food hampers are increasingly popular
Perfect Mānuka honey gift box:
- Mini honey jars paired with dried fruit, red dates, and longevity peaches
- Include gold foil labels or red tassels for luck
Recipe: Honey-Glazed Walnut Cookies
- 1 cup flour
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ cup oil
- 2 tbsp Mānuka honey
Mix and bake at 170°C for 10-12 mins. Sweet, nutty, and perfect with tea.
Tip: Present in pairs - two is a lucky number!
3. South Korea: Chuseok – Celebrating the Harvest with Honey Tteok
Chuseok (Korean Harvest Festival) is a time for family reunions and paying respects to ancestors. Gifts should be thoughtful and refined.
Gift suggestions:
- Mānuka honey paired with premium tea
- Tteok (rice cakes) in pastel colours
- Presented in bojagi (traditional wrapping cloth)
Recipe: Honey-Filled Tteok (Rice Cakes)
- 1 cup glutinous rice flour
- ½ cup warm water
- 2 tbsp Mānuka honey
- 1 tbsp roasted sesame
Mix flour and water into a dough. Flatten, fill with honey-sesame mix, and roll into balls. Steam for 10 mins.
Etiquette note: Quality matters - luxury over quantity.
4. Middle Eastern Celebrations: Eid, Nowruz & Hospitality Rituals
Across Arabic and Persian cultures, gifting is closely tied to hospitality and celebration, especially during Eid (end of Ramadan) and Nowruz (Persian New Year). Sweets, perfumes, and dates are traditional gifts.
Ideal gift box for Eid or Nowruz:
- Mānuka honey
- Premium dates (stuffed or plain)
- Pistachios, rosewater sweets, or Turkish delight
- Often in ornate gold or blue boxes
Recipe: Honey-Stuffed Medjool Dates
- 12 Medjool dates
- 6 walnuts or almonds
- 3 tbsp Mānuka honey
- 1 tsp rosewater
Split dates, remove pit, fill with nuts. Drizzle with honey and rosewater. Chill and serve.
Custom tip: Sharing food is sharing joy. A well-curated gift speaks volumes.
Final Thoughts
M&H Mānuka Honey from New Zealand brings a modern, health-conscious edge to ancient gifting traditions. Whether paired with Japanese matcha, folded into Chinese New Year pastries, or adorning a tray of Eid sweets, honey carries a universal symbolism: sweet beginnings, shared blessings, and enduring warmth.