3 Common International Holiday Gifts And Localization Services

Even though the holidays is all about spending time with loved ones, giving and receiving gifts is a big part of the season, even around the world. Let’s take a look at the gift-giving culture in different countries and see how localization services can illuminate international traditions:

Christmas Gifts In Japan And Localization Services

Although Christmas is not an official holiday in Japan, many cities decorate their streets with Christmas lights and illuminations. Kurisumasu, the Japanese version of Christmas (which we know through the help of Japanese translation) is mainly a commercial event and Christmas Eve in Japan is considered the time for romance where couples get together to celebrate and exchange gifts. Common gifts include local specialties, beverages and everyday items such as cosmetics, mugs, or Christmas cakes which symbolize wealth.  With the help of localization and interpreting services, visitors to Japan should discover that gifting items such as shoes, watches, or writing supplies is frowned upon.

Christmas Gifts In Mexico And Localization Services

Christmas celebrations in Mexico start as early as December 12^th and last until January 6^th. Christmas in Mexico is the perfect mixture of ancient customs with modern celebrations. The presents gifted during this time are often extraordinary, such as Mayan Pearls. According to Mexican tradition, each color on the pearl symbolizes a blessing. For instance, white stands for health, cream for hippieness, lavender for wisdom, and gold for wealth.

Giving flowers is also rich with meaning in Mexican culture. If you gift the wrong color of flowers, you might end up hurting someone’s feelings. Localization and translation services help us understand that red colored flowers are believed to cast spells, yellow ones symbolize death, and purple flowers symbolize funerals.

Christmas Gifts In Australia And Translation

Starting as early as in November, with the heat reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit and Santa dressed in shorts, Christmas in Australia is a highly anticipated time where families gather and have picnics on the beach while singing Christmas carols. On Christmas Eve, gifts, wrapped in red, green, or festive paper, are placed underneath the Christmas tree. For the recipients, the monetary value isn’t of any importance; the thought is what counts. Christmas gifts can be as simple as chocolate, wine, or subscriptions to charity. Localization services show us that it’s actually not about the gifts we receive or how much we get, but about the spirit of giving and sharing.