The red envelopes given to children, or in some cases unmarried adults, during Lunar New Year are also called ya sui qian. Colloquially, ya sui qian translates to “suppressing age money”, as Other Occasions for Red Envelopes. Chinese New Year is a red envelope season. But red envelopes are not limited to Chinese New Year. It is common to give a red envelope during many other occasions, such as a wedding, graduation, the birth of a baby, or a senior person's birthday, and even funerals. 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. [See more: Chinese New Year: 3 auspicious dishes to welcome the Year of the Dragon] 6. There’s a 15-day window for giving. The time for handing out red envelopes is from the first to the fifteenth day of each Lunar New Year, and because it’s the lunar calendar, the calendar dates will vary from year to year. In Chinese, the red packet is also called "money warding off old age" (壓歲錢; yāsuì qián) for Chinese New Year. The act of requesting red packets is normally called tao hongbao ( Chinese : 討紅包 ; pinyin : tǎo hóngbāo ) or yao lishi (Chinese: 要利是 ; pinyin: yào lìshì ), and, in the south of China, dou lishi (Chinese 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.” With the festival fast approaching on January 29, 2025, if you want to get involved but are not sure of the etiquette, here’s everything you need to know.The most basic things to remember are to give and receive lai see with two hands and wish everyone the essential Lunar New Year greeting, “Gong hey fat choy,” roughly meaning “Best wishes for prosperity in the new year.” WeChat Red Envelope. 2014 Chinese New Year marked the advent of digital red packets on WeChat - the most popular messaging app in China. While watching CCTV New Year Gala, audiences have chances to win cyber red envelopes by shaking their phones ceaselessly. Overnight, WeChat red packets became surprisingly popular nationwide. These are filled with money - and symbolize good wishes and luck for the new year ahead. The importance of the hóngbāo isn’t the cash held inside; it’s actually the envelope itself. The red color symbolizes good luck and prosperity in Chinese (and other East Asian) cultures. Here are 8 facts you should know about the historic red envelope 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. 1. Chinese New Year. When visiting family and friends during the Chinese New Year holiday, be prepared with a fistful of red packets to hand out in every household in which you encounter children, e.g. unmarried, young dependents, typically teenagers and younger. 2025 Chinese Snake Year Red Envelopes Celebrate the 2025 Chinese Snake Year with these vibrant red envelopes! Featuring elegant snake-themed designs, they’re perfect for gifting during Lunar New Year, weddings, or special occasions. Red Packet Guidelines for Chinese New Year (By Country and Relationship) Note: The amounts listed are approximate and can vary based on individual circumstances. The concept of “auspicious amounts” refers to numbers considered lucky or favorable in Chinese culture, with 8 symbolizing prosperity and 6 representing smoothness or good luck. Here Are the Best Red Packets for Chinese New Year 2025: Ring in the Year of the Snake with lucky envelopes from Loewe, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Audemars Piguet and more. Giving and receiving lai see – also known as red packets, hong bao in Mandarin and ang pow in Singapore and Malaysia – is a Chinese New Year tradition that has been around for millennia.. Said Chinese New Year Red Envelopes Snake 2025, 18 Pcs Lunar New Year Red Envelopes Chinese New Year Decorations 2025 Hong Bao New Years Gifts with 6 Different Gold Embossed Patterns (6.69*3.54in) 4.9 out of 5 stars 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. 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. The Chinese New Year tradition of giving red packets (lai see in Cantonese) dates back centuries, and was meant to ward off evil spirits. Here is our comprehensive guide to giving and receiving Amazon.com : UPINS Chinese New Year Red Envelopes 2025, 48Pcs Lucky Hong Bao Money Red Envelopes Lunar Traditional Red Packets Envelopes for Spring Festivel Birthday Wedding Supplies Decor (3.5x6.6 inches) : Office Products
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |