Seibo (a year-end gift) |
| The word seibo literally means the end of the year, but it actually refers to gifts given at the end of the year. Seibo are generally given in mid-December. The custom of giving seibo began in the Edo period (1603 to 1867). Many people today still give seibo and chugen (midyear gifts). Seibo are usually called o-seibo just like chugen are called o-chugen to show respect for the person the gift is given to. We give o-seibo to people who help us including our bosses at our companies or places of work, matchmakers, private tutors, and teachers who helped us in our school days. Businesses and stores may also give o-seibo to their customers and the people they do business with. Many people have department stores or delivery companies deliver the gifts although it is more courteous to deliver the gifts in person. The most common gifts given today are liquors, groceries including cooking oils, coffees, and teas, and various commodities including soaps and detergents. |
| In addition, gift certificates issued by department stores are also very useful and are therefore becoming more popular. When we select gifts we consider both the price range and also what we think the person would like. We do not have to give gifts back to people who have given us seibo. If you receive a gift you can simply send a letter of thanks to the person who gave it to you. People originally gave seibo to express their appreciation for the kindness and assistance that they had received. Today, however, this custom has come to be performed as a mere formality. |