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. 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. Yes. If you do not have a certain idea on what material items to give, and then the monetary gift is a good choice during Chinese New Year. Chinese people like to exchange red envelopes with luck money inside. Especially for kids, the red envelopes are recommended. In this article, I’ll walk through the etiquette for giving and receiving the red envelopes filled with lucky money that are an iconic symbol of Chinese New Year. We’ll get to the details in a moment, but I’ll start by highlighting that the red envelope custom is all about the reciprocity of giving and receiving. If you’re the one handing out red pockets, try not to be so blunt. Chinese culture emphasizes soft and suave tactics. Rather than saying “here’s your lucky money,” try telling the child: Happy New Year! Wish you success in school! Hope you have a great year! It’s best to make sure the parents see you give the money. Ringing in the Chinese New Year comes with traditional gifts like ang paos (or red envelopes). These envelopes contain money, symbolizing well-wishes and good luck for the coming year. But it's not the cash inside that's actually given value. Rather, it's the envelope that takes center stage. 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. 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.” 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. Christmas might be the most wonderful time of the year, but Chinese New Year is certainly the most prosperous. Thanks to the tradition of giving out red packets as a way to send blessings and good Chinese Lunar New Year 2025: Start the Chinese New Year on a positive note by following these do's and don'ts, from gifting money to other traditions. Chinese Lunar New Year 2025 is on January 29 Chinese Lunar New Year 2025: Start the Chinese New Year on a positive note by following these do's and don'ts, from gifting money to other traditions. Each month begins with a new moon, and the new year begins on the new moon closest to the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. Usually, that puts the holiday between Each month begins with a new moon, and the new year begins on the new moon closest to the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. Usually, that puts the holiday between 8 things to do for Chinese New Year to attract good fortune. To attract good fortune, happiness, and prosperity in the Year of the Snake, these eight traditions are a must: Clean your home before Chinese New Year Clear away the clutter and bad luck accumulated over the past year. 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. Pre-Chinese New Year Preparations and Activities (Jan. 7–Feb. 12, 2025) Jan. 7, 2025: Laba Festival. Some Chinese start to celebrate and prepare for Chinese New Year as early as day 8 of the 12 th month of the lunar calendar. 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'. Happy Lunar New Year! Binance has answered a list of frequently asked questions about red envelopes and tips to use your Lunar New Year money in 2022. Check it out now!
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |