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. [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. 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. 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 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 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. 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. 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. 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 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. 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. 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 Exchanging red envelopes with money in them is a tradition on Chinese New Year. According to the Seattle Times , “In Chinese culture, the color red is associated with energy, happiness, and good 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. 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 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. Chinese New Year and Red Envelopes: The Meaning Behind Ang Pao Giving. Have you ever wondered why red envelopes, or “ang pao,” are such a cherished part of Chinese New Year celebrations? Think about it—why would a simple red envelope filled with money carry so much meaning? The answer lies in its rich cultural history and the values it 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. Red to symbolize good luck and to ward off evil spirits, envelopes are traditionally exchanged on the Chinese New Year and other holidays, with money usually tucked inside. For the new year, specifically, married couples typically give red envelopes to children and single folks. Chinese New Year Red Envelopes 2025, Red Envelope Lunar New Year Red Envelopes Large Lucky Money Red Packets Interoffice Envelopes Hong Bao with 6 Different Gold Embossed Patterns (6.69*3.54in) 4.7 out of 5 stars
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.