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. 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. 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. Red envelopes, also called red packets, lucky money, or hongbao in Chinese, are a popular monetary gift given on some important occasions or festivals in China and some other Asian countries, especially widely seen during the Chinese New Year (Spring Festival). It is a Chinese New Year gift with money stuffed into red paper to kids. 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.” 1, When are red envelopes given during Chinese New Year? During the Chinese New Year, parents, grandparents, and other elders often give red packets to children on New Year's Eve or the morning of the first day of the year to welcome the new year and convey blessings and joy. Friends and relatives typically exchange red envelopes when visiting Chinese New Year Red Envelopes. Lunar New Year red envelopes, also known as 'hongbao' or 'laisee' are a tradition that symbolises the giving of good luck, prosperity, and blessings for the coming year. Typically filled with money, these vibrant red packets are shared among family members, friends, and co-workers to spread joy and good fortune. For anyone who has felt awkward at Chinese New Year, here’s a simple guide to navigating the social minefield of red envelopes – condensed into eight simple rules. 1. You give out red envelopes if you’re married. Don’t commit the classic faux-pas of handing out one red envelope from the two of you. Both spouses give a red envelope each. 2. Though they’re unquestionably a symbol associated with Chinese New Year, red envelopes are also given for weddings, birthdays and other special occasions. Here are the most common scenarios for giving red envelopes during Chinese New Year. 1. From Parents to their Children Amazon.com : 36 PCS Chinese Red Envelope 2025, Traditional Year of the Snake Red Envelopes, Lunar New Year Lucky Money Hong Bao for Spring Festival, 6 Gold Embossed Designs, Medium (3.1 x 4.5 In/8 x 11.5 cm) : Office Products 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. Pack of 20pcs & Custom Logo(Name) Chinese New Year Gold Foiled Creative Red Envelope Lucky Money Gift Packet Year of the Snake Hong Bao 2025 (165) $ 29.99 Amazon.com : 36 Pieces Red Envelope Snake 2025, Traditional Chinese New Year Red Envelopes, 6 Patterns Unique Gold Embossed Designs for Spring Festival Holiday Wedding Birthday, Medium (3.1 x 4.5 In/8 x 11.5 cm) : Office Products 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. The red envelopes, adorned with intricate designs and often featuring auspicious symbols, are believed to bring good luck and fortune to the recipient throughout the Red Envelopes for Chinese New Year Presenting red envelopes during the New Year is significant in Chinese traditional culture, and it means conveying blessings. 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
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |