Subject: Kouden (Was: Japanese Breakfasts)
This is a funny cross-cultural tale... I don't think Americans understand
the idea of "enryo" (did I spell that right?) or restraint when dining or
being offered something. There are so much ceremonial social conventions
in Japan that don't even occur to Americans.
The JA father-in-law of a JA friend of a very good JA friend of mine
died suddenly last week, and she got their American co-workers
(they're the only JAs) together to make donations for
"kouden",
the gift money that Japanese give at funerals.
Their co-workers didn't get this idea at all.
I (a sansei) don't exactly understand its origins either,
except it seems a nice way to tell the family you care.
Also, stamps are included in kouden -- does anybody know why?
Subject: Re: Kouden (Funeral Money)
Subject: Re: Kouden (Funeral Money)
Subject: Re: Kouden (Funeral Money)
Subject: Re: Kouden (Funeral Money)
Subject: Re: Kouden (Funeral Money)
