Avoid Giving Handkerchiefs as Gifts
Giving handkerchiefs as presents for a wedding or normal celebration is unsuitable because it is associated with the Japanese word of “tegire”, meaning the cutting of the hand or severing of relationships. Not only does it symbolizes divorce or separation, it also means “I don’t want to see you anymore”.
Be extra careful when thinking of offering a white handkerchief. In Japan, there is a custom of covering a deceased person’s body with a white cloth. The white handkerchief is associated with the white cloth used to cover the deceased person’s face during a funeral. Always be reminded that giving a white handkerchief is completely taboo in Japan.
