If there’s one thing that the Tsinoys love doing, it’s celebrating an occasion. The bigger the event, the better. Until recently, the more red at the location, the luckier. Weddings, birthdays, engagements…they’re all an excuse to celebrate and party with friends and family.

And if there’s one thing that the Tsinoys are famous for, it’s the myriad of do’s and don’ts that guests (and sometimes celebrant) just follow during each occasion. Even in this modern age, these rules are strictly followed especially by the more superstitious families as disobedience may mean bad luck for the celebrant.

Here’s a short list of things you should and should not do when attending a Tsinoy party:

DO:

Wear red, the color of luck. Traditional “tablecloth” red may be out of fashion, but the Tsinoy fashionista can still get away with shades in the same family. Pink is acceptable, as are dresses with red print. Yellow and gold are also good colors to wear, as they represent royalty. Good thing because metallics are in.

Come on time, (on time normally being at the most, an hour after the time printed on the invitation). To come any later, would mean that you do not place importance on the occasion and your grand entrance might only serve to inconvenience the celebrant and other guest.

Wait for your turn. Be it buffet or lauriat, nobody likes a glutton. Try not to race to the buffet once its open (a brisk walk, hiding behind the venues potted plants to cover your tracks will do) and don’t pile on the food as if it was your last meal). If at a sit- down meal, get enough for only one serving. You can get second helpings, after everyone has gotten their share. Also, don’t forget to serve the person beside you if you know them and they are older/female.

DON’T

Wear all white, purple, or anything with even a shade of black in it. These are mourning colors and will only insult your host. Men and women can cheat by wearing black pants, jackets for men and skirts for women, but never black tops.

Give gifts of clocks or sharp objects as these are gifts of ill omen. The first signifies that the celebrants’ time is up and the second signifies cutting one’s life short.

Forget to thank the hosts; it would be impolite if you do. It doesn’t matter if you’ve just attended the wedding of your mothers amiga’s Fil-Chi-Am whom you’ve never met, thank him as if you’ve been best friends forever anway . At the very least thank the person who you recognize the most, in this case, you mother’s friend.

These may not be all of the do’s and don’ts one has to follow during a Chinese celebration ( to write them all down would take up more space than the Encyclopedias Britannica, but armed with these six basic rules, you’re sure to pass any Tsinoy celebration without offending anyone. Of course all these rules mean nothing if you don’t follow the most important rule of all, which is enjoy! The reason you were invited to the celebration is to celebrate! Sit back, enjoy the food, and par-the!