Kung Fu Tradition or Myth?

I was told that in traditional Kung Fu a prospective student presented his would-be master with a gift (usually a fruit basket or some assorted foods), I don't feel that my resource for this was credible which is why I ask here. If this is indeed fact... what is this tradition called? Could anyone provide more information?
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I suppose that the term "visitor's gift" is as good as any. This tradition also holds for visitors to Christian monasteries. Whenever you visit a monastery, you ALWAYS bring a gift. In the western tradition it is usually fruit, brandy, coffee, tea or some other "treat" that the monks don't regularly get for themselves.
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