What is a "Chinese Auction?"

EliseB0323

The flyer for my office holiday party says they are having a "Chinese Auction."  It's not one of those gift exchange "white elephant" games, because they are also having one of those. Anyone know what a "Chinese Auction" is?

mrsterry

I've always heard of it being the same thing as a white elephant game.  Maybe it's suggesting that the chinese auction means no gag gifts.

Samantha Thomas

I didn't know either, but this link explains it pretty well.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_auction

SaraSmile

It's a silent auction.  You buy tickets and then place the tickets into containers next to the items you want to win.

YouAreMyILoveYou

I'm w/Auntie, in school they were called "tricky tray" and at work we call them "silent auctions."

I have no clue how it became known as a Chinese Auction.