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.” Chinese New Year red envelopes are a traditional gift for children or elderly people during Chinese New Year. In China, the red envelope (money) is called ya sui qian (压岁钱 /yaa sway chyen/), which means 'suppressing Sui [the demon]money'. Those who receive a red envelope are wished another safe and peaceful year. Generally, on Chinese New Random amounts of money are associated with the white packets handed out at Chinese funerals, which contain odd sums in coins. Avoid this gaffe. If you’re giving money as a couple, give the same amount in each envelope. [See more: 7 Chinese New Year traditions to fill your holiday with joy, luck and prosperity] 8. Read More: Chinese New Year Camps – 2025 CNY School Holiday Camps in Hong Kong Lai See Red Packet Traditions In Hong Kong The tradition of lai see giving is carried out by married individuals and elders as a symbol of well-wishing and to bring good luck to juniors and unmarried singles . A single, crisp note. Fresh, new notes straight from the bank are the most popular, though the government encourages using “good-as-new notes for lai-see”. Coins are generally avoided. Weeks before Chinese New Year, banks will generally put up notices when it comes to withdrawing new, crisp notes. Make sure to visit in advance to avoid long The Chinese New Year tradition of giving red packets containing money dates back some 2,000 years and was originally meant to ward off evil spirits; During Chinese New Year, and stretching into the following week, you may notice a flurry of red envelopes being exchanged almost everywhere you go. These fancy little red envelopes, called "lai see" (利是), are packets that contain good luck money. 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) This period runs from the first day of Chinese New Year until the Lantern Festival, which marks the end of the celebrations. In 2024, the Chinese New Year begins on February 10 and ends on February 24. Lai see should ideally be given the first time you see the receiver during this period. What do you say when handing over the lai see? 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 Envelopes are one of the favorite Chinese traditions for children, because on New Year’s Day they are given the shiny packets with money inside. Kids of all ages quickly learn the words for red envelope: “hong bao” in Mandarin, “lai see” in Cantonese. Amazon.com : MAGICLULU 24 Pcs Red Envelope New Year Gifts Lais New Year Red Packets Lucky Money Envelopes Chinese New Year 2023 Lucky Money Red Chinese Money Packets Paper Chinese Zodiac Souvenir : Office Products 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 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.” Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival, has officially arrived. The starting day of this event changes with the Moon cycle and, this year, the 15-day-long Amazon.com : NOLITOY 12 Pcs Red Envelope Chinese Money Packets Chinese New Year 2023 Chinese New Year Envelopes Red Packet Lais Lucky Money Envelopes Chinese Red Money Bag Chinese Zodiac Paper : Office Products 4. Ensure the lucky money is crisp and new. When giving money ensure it is crisp and new. People across China will spend the weeks preceding Chinese New Year withdrawing crisp notes from the bank. It is considered a sign of disrespect to give old or torn notes. 5. Always start by presenting a gift to the oldest (or most senior) member. Amazon.com : 12 Pcs Red Envelope New Year Gifts Red Packets Chinese Money Packets Gift Envelopes for Cash Red Money Envelopes 2023 Hong Bao Lais Spring Festival Supplies Paper Three-dimensional : Office Products 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 Chinese Red Envelopes Lucky Money Envelopes 2025 Chinese New Year Snake Year Envelope Small (6 Patterns 36 Pcs) Gold Foil. 4.8 out of 5 stars. 695. 400+ bought in
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |