Grandma’s Stories

Feb 8th The Chinese New Year GIFT…to GIVE…

Chinese 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. The red packets are usually presented by parents and grandparents to children during Chinese New Year, which is probably one of the most recognized traditions that are observed during the Festival.

Protection:        According to legend a monster known as Sui appeared on New Year’s Eve with the intent of harming children. A sleeping child who was touched by this monster would develop a fever and subsequently become an idiot. However it was said that when their parents prayed sincerely, God sent eight guards disguised as coins to protect them. So people threaded eight coins on red string and placed them under the children’s pillows.  This became an annual custom and the monster Sui no longer came near. As the Chinese Character Year (岁suì) has the same pronunciation with the monster’s name (祟Suì), the people called the coins Ya Sui Qian, meaning “lucky money warding off the evil spirit”. As time passed, paper notes replaced the coins and the envelope replaced the thread.
Share the blessing:      Nowadays, money wrapped in red is a gift not only for kids but also elders, relatives, and sometimes friends. Red is the most popular and auspicious color in China, so people use this way to share blessings and happiness to each other

Children or unmarried members of the younger generation look     forward to receiving lucky money from others, something which is definitely not a privilege that adults enjoy. Once an adult has started earning money, they will begin to give the red envelopes in the Spring Festival. As a wage earner, you will be expected to give money nearly to everyone, kids, elders and relatives, but lucky money seldom goes to you.
Kids:         Adhering to the old tradition, people should give the kids the lucky money if they start to make money. Those targeted as receivers usually will be their own children, nieces, nephews, as well as friends’ and colleagues’ kids. Greetings like wishes for good health and happiness usually go along with the luck money.

Elders:    People who are bread winners, are expected to give money wrapped in red paper to their parents and grandparents. This is a gift to show respect and a grateful heart.

Employees:    The boss in a company will distribute the red envelopes to employees in the working days preceding the Chinese New Year. However, in southern China, people are likely to give “a start back to work” packet (Li Shi) when employees return after the Spring Festival.

Acquaintances’ children:    If coming across an acquaintance with kids, you need to send the packets as well.

Crisp Bills

Most people will be glad to receive new cash, so you’d better acquire some crisp new notes from banks in advance. Some people will wrap change in the envelope, and so puff up the packet.

Right Moment
When you set out on a New Year’s visit, you need to seize the right moment to present the red packet. Once you arrive at your host’s home, you … should pass the red packets to them …when shaking hands and or greeting each other. If they have children, give the lucky money straight away, too. Do not wait… to do it… when it is time to say farewell.