Gallery
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
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. 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. It is a traditional way to wish good luck and If you're at a loss for how much red pocket money to give to family members, the history of how the Chinese tradition began, and the unspoken rules of lai see giving, then let us chime in! By The HK HUB 2025-01-09 Updated: 2025-01-24 9 Mins Read 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.” A red envelope at Chinese New Year takes the place of the Christmas bonus common in Western workplaces. Given the expense of traveling home for the holiday, many employers give their employees a red envelope filled with the equivalent of a month’s pay at the beginning of the festival, along with a smaller “token of red” when they return These include weddings, birthdays and, of course, during the start of the lunar new year. Traditionally, envelopes are red (‘hong’ or ‘ang’ mean red, ‘bao’ and ‘pao’ mean packet) with gold calligraphy, as the colours signify good fortune. It is not just ideal for a new year but simply put, part of the Chinese New Year festivities. The red envelopes (red pockets or red packets), lucky money, hong bao in Mandarin, or lai see in Cantonese, are commonly used as a monetary gift during the Chinese New Year. service@chinatravel.com 86-773-286-5632 (Intl rates apply) According to ancient Chinese folklore dating back to the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.–220 A.D.), it’s believed that an evil spirit would roam the streets on Lunar New Year’s Eve and attack anyone who was sleeping. One year, a couple gave their son a pocket of gold coins to play with — who wrapped In the colorful tapestry of Chinese traditions, few customs hold as much significance and charm as the exchange of red envelopes, known as "hongbao." These small, crimson envelopes symbolize good luck, prosperity, and happiness, and are an integral part of various celebrations and social interactions, particularly during the Chinese New Year. Though they’re unquestionably a symbol associated with Chinese New Year, birthdays and weddings, red envelopes are also given for graduations, the launches of new ventures and other special occasions. Regardless of the event, this basic red envelope etiquette applies: Choose new bills, don’t ever include coins and these days checks are OK. This is seen as an early version of the red envelope. By the Tang Dynasty, the practice of giving money to children during Chinese New Year had become the familiar tradition of giving red envelopes. Why Must Red Envelopes Be Red? Red is a color cherished during Chinese New Year, symbolizing celebration, prosperity, and happiness. Not that you’re not allowed to visit your friends and relatives during the year, but at the beginning of the New Year (i.e. New Year’s day and the couple of days that follow) it is especially encouraged. – Red packet money: It’s money stuffed inside a red envelope, usually with a new-year-related drawing and/or writing in gold on the 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. The colour red is the symbol of happiness, wealth and luck in Asian cultures hence most Lunar New Year decorations are often that colour. Ang also told the News that red pockets are not only given during Lunar New Year, but also during “happy occasions” such as weddings, birthday, and graduations. “Giving the red pocket is a sign of Most people are aware of the tradition of giving red packets (红包 hóngbāo) in Chinese culture as gestures of appreciation during big life events.Venture beyond the surface level, however, and you quickly discover that effective gifting requires an understanding of public relations, sociology, psychology, finance & accounting, creative writing and even poetry. Don't forget to Subscribe, like the video, and hit the bell icon! Enjoy!Tune in to some more banger videos and streams:Twitch: During Chinese New Year (CNY) in Hong Kong, it is customary to give lucky money in red envelopes, known as lai see (Cantonese), ang pao (Hokkien), or hong bao (Mandarin). This cherished tradition involves presenting these red packets to parents, friends, relatives, and even co-workers, symbolizing good luck and prosperity. Chinese New Year Red packet rules for rookies: Ang bao etiquette for Chinese New Year in Singapore. by Tracy Tristram | Jan 19, 2024 Chinese New Year is upon us and that means red packets need to be given (and received!). Our kids might be eagerly anticipating their lai see, but as parents, making sure to follow proper lai see etiquette can be fraught. Sassy Mama’s got you covered with all your red packet do’s and don’ts.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |