1. It's a tradition to put crisp, new bills inside a Chinese New Year red envelope. Giving dirty or wrinkled bills is in bad taste. In the week leading up to Chinese New Year, many people stand in long queues at banks to exchange old bills for new ones. 2. You're supposed to avoid putting coins in the envelopes. 3. A red envelope (red packet or red pocket), lucky money, hong bao in Mandarin, or lai see in Cantonese, is commonly used as a monetary gift during holidays or special occasions in China, especially during the Chinese New Year. Chinese New Year red packet The Meanings of Red Envelopes. Red is the lucky color in Chinese culture. In Hong Kong, red envelopes are traditionally opened on or after the 7th day of the Lunar New Year. During Chinese New Year supervisors or business owners give envelopes to employees. In Suzhou, children keep the red envelope in their bedroom after receiving it. They believe that putting the red envelope under their bed can protect the children. Red Envelopes for Chinese New Year Presenting red envelopes during the New Year is significant in Chinese traditional culture, and it means conveying blessings. The following will give you a detailed introduction to the etiquette of the Chinese New Year's red envelopes, helping you better express the blessing. 1, When are red envelopes given Since at least the 10th century, red envelopes have held a unique place of ritual importance in Chinese culture. Hongbao are frequently associated with Chinese New Year (春节 Chūnjié), China’s most significant holiday, which falls on a date calculated using the lunar calendar. TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Handing out red envelopes (紅包) during the Lunar New Year is a key Chinese tradition, with red symbolizing vitality, joy, auspiciousness, and good luck. In ancient China, the belief in a demon called “Sui” (祟) attacking children on New Year's Eve led parents to place copper coins under their children's pillows. During the Chinese New Year, red envelop is one of the most popular traditional customs. Nowadays, the network-based electronic red envelope is more and more popular. The electronic red envelope is generally sent through the third-party network platforms, such as WeChat, Alipay and QQ. Chinese New Year and red envelopes represent more than just a gift; they symbolize wealth, generosity, and blessings. Let’s explore how this tradition can teach us valuable lessons about prosperity and connection. A Brief History of Red Envelopes. The tradition of red envelopes dates back to ancient China, during the Qin Dynasty. Red pocket, red packet, red envelope. What is this magical red thing? Regardless what term you use, 红包 (hóng bāo) are great because they contain money. The money in red envelopes is also known as 压岁钱 (yā suì qián), literally meaning “money to anchor the year(s).” It is also known as “lucky money” or “New Year’s money.” It is a long-standing Chinese tradition during the Lunar New Year to give out red packets, also known as lai see in Cantonese and hong bao in Mandarin. Usually handed out in pairs and containing However, unlike the red envelopes used in Chinese culture, the money in Korea can be presented in white envelopes, as whiteness in Korean culture symbolises purity and new beginnings. Chinese New Year red envelopes, or hongbao, are traditional gifts filled with money given during the Lunar New Year. We have prepared 10 free printable designs for you to download and use, including classic, modern, and whimsical styles featuring dragons, snakes, and festive symbols. The Tradition of Chinese New Year Red Envelopes Red envelopes are traditionally used to give gifts of money in China on special occasions such as Chinese New Year, birthdays and weddings. Red symbolizes happiness, prosperity and good luck in China and other Asian cultures. Traditionally, the amount of money in the red envelopes should be an even number for the New Year. Chinese New Year Crafts for Kids. January 29, 2025 will herald the start of the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac cycle. Below you will find 13 printable patterns for lucky red envelopes and bookmarks that you can use to celebrate this holiday. Lucky Red. The red paper is actually more important than the lucky money inside! The color red symbolizes happiness and good luck. The tradition of red envelopes is one of the oldest stories of Chinese New Year, where the demon Sui haunted sleeping children. As you finish customizing, save it, print it out*, or send it to your friend as a Chinese New Year photo card to wish your friends a happy Lunar New Year! *Will suggest using pictures over 1,200 pixels for good-quality print. Create Digital Red Envelope. YouCam Perfect: Best Chinese New Year App to Make Virtual Red Envelopes As the world approaches the Lunar New Year on January 29, 2025, marking the start of the Year of the Snake, the tradition of giving red envelopes, known as hongbao (红包) in Mandarin and lai see (利是) in Cantonese, comes to the forefront of celebrations. This cherished custom is not only a symbol of good wishes and prosperity but also a On the Lunar New Year’s Eve, Chinese people starts to greet each other through text or voice happy New Year messages, while later exchange Chinese New Year greetings face to face when visiting each other during the festival. The lunisolar Chinese calendar determines the date of Lunar New Year. The calendar is also used in countries that have been influenced by, or have relations with, China – such as Korea, Japan, and Vietnam, though occasionally the date celebrated may differ by one day or even one moon cycle due to using a meridian based on a different capital city in a different time zone or different Chinese New Year symbols hold deep cultural significance, representing luck, prosperity, and new beginnings. The top symbols include red envelopes, lanterns, firecrackers, zodiac animals, and the Fu character, each playing a crucial role in the festive celebrations.
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