"If you don't give away the four things, your children and grandchildren will be rich" is a proverb in traditional Chinese culture, which refers to four things that should not be given to others at will to protect the wealth and fortune of individuals and families. The four items are:
1. Bell: Bell is associated with the meaning of end, end in Chinese characters, so giving a bell to someone else may be seen as a piece of foreboding. Traditionally, giving a bell to someone else may be interpreted as a sign of the stagnation of time or the end of life.
2. Knife: The knife symbolizes the power of destruction and harm. Giving a knife to someone may be seen as hoping that the other person will suffer harm or hardship. As a result, knives as gifts are often seen as unlucky acts.
3. Fan: The fan was considered a funeral-related item in ancient times, as the fan was used during funerals to cool the deceased. Therefore, giving a fan to a person may be interpreted as implying decay or misfortune for the other person. But in modern society, fans can still be used as an aesthetically pleasing gift for the right occasion and cultural context.
4. Shoes: Shoes are associated with symbols of parting and separation in Chinese culture, so giving shoes to someone as a gift may be seen as a hint of wanting the other person to leave or separate. This is considered unlucky and offensive.
It is important to note that these prohibited items are sometimes different in modern society depending on a particular cultural background or Xi. As a result, people may have different perceptions and meanings of these objects in different cultures. It is important to understand and respect local Xi and cultural backgrounds.