Gallery
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
The Meaning of the Chinese New Year Red Envelopes. 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'. Chinese New Year is a time of celebration, family gatherings, and rich traditions, and one of the most cherished customs is giving red envelopes, or hongbao (红包). These bright red packets are filled with money and given to children, loved ones, and even colleagues as a symbol of good luck and blessings for the year ahead. 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. 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. 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 The Meaning of the Chinese New Year Red Envelopes. The color red holds great significance in Chinese culture as it is associated with luck, joy, and warding off evil spirits. 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 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.” 91% of Chinese people still gift red envelopes at Lunar New Year; 75% say it‘s important for maintaining cultural heritage; 83% believe the value is more symbolic than monetary; So while the tradition has evolved, its core significance persists in bringing good fortune and strengthening connections. How Much Should You Give in a 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. Red envelopes are used in various celebrations, including Chinese New Year, weddings, birthdays, and other special occasions. They are a way to convey best wishes and to show respect and affection. The act of giving and receiving red envelopes strengthens social bonds and reflects the values of generosity and mutual support. Chinese New Year 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. 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. 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. The recipient of a red envelope at Chinese New Year or on his or her birthday should not open it in front of the giver. At Chinese weddings , the procedure is different. At a Chinese wedding, there is a table at the entrance of the wedding reception where guests give their red envelopes to attendants and sign their names on a large scroll. 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. 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 red envelope meaning is an important one and it’s very easy for non-Chinese gift-givers to give improperly. With Lunar New Year comes one of China’s oldest customs: giving red envelopes to relatives, friends and employees. Known in Mandarin as ‘ hong bao ’ (meaning, ‘red envelopes’) and in Cantonese as ‘ lai see ’ (or ‘ lai si ’, meaning ‘being useful’), these slender, cash-filled packets represent a gesture of thanks, friendship and recognition – a momentary expression of Every Lunar New Year, it’s a tradition in Chinese and other Southeast Asian societies to gift a red packet or envelope — called hóngbāo in Mandarin — filled with a monetary gift. While customs vary across Asian countries and cultures, Cheng is Taiwanese-American and grew up celebrating Lunar New Year by partaking in a red envelope exchange, wearing red to bed for an extra
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |