Last Taboo

Chinese Culture Taboo #5: Ask a member of the opposite sex his/her birth date -

In the West, this is generally an innocent question. You could have a hundred reasons for asking such as planning a party or event, preparing a gift, or simple banter. In China, it could be much more than an innocent question and cause you a load of trouble. Asking someone his birth date often signals a romantic interest. Why? Traditionally China has complex rules for making the perfect match of husband and wife. It is not necessarily based on interests, hobbies, or even love. It is based on calculations by fortune tellers or feng shui specialists who have professional careers in matchmaking. Parents will often submit the birth date (down to the minute and second) of their child and their child's significant other. These specialists are paid big bucks to somehow determine if they match and if the marriage will be "lucky" or "prosperous." So if a guy asks a girl for her birth date it could be interpreted as, "I am interested in marrying you and want to see if we are a match." Again, this is not as important to the younger generation as the elder generation. Many traditions like this are gradually waning in importance. But if you want to avoid any confusion it is better to stick to safer topics. And if someone asks you your birth date, watch out!