8 Things You Should Know About The Lucky Red Envelope - Google Arts & Culture (2024)

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What are some fun facts about red envelopes? ›

Red envelopes are a traditional part of Vietnamese culture. They are considered to be lucky money and are typically given to children during Vietnamese New Year. They are generally given by elders and adults, where a greeting or offering health and longevity is exchanged.

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.

According to Chinese legend, the tradition began as a way to keep children safe from the Chinese demon Sui who would come after sleeping children on New Year's Eve. In China the envelopes are also called yasui qian meaning “suppressing ghost money.”

Paper envelopes first used in China in the 2nd Century. The first envelope making machine was invented in 1845. The paper was diamond shaped and did not come pre-gummed for sealing. In the Victorian Era, the placement of a stamp were used as coded messages between young lovers whose parents censored their mail.

Red envelope cash sums are usually even numbers like 200, 600 or 800, as even numbers are traditionally considered auspicious. The new year is a fresh start, so fresh bills should be given. The amount for family elders should increase year on year.

Who gets Red Envelopes? Technically, all unmarried children get hong baos during Chinese New Year. The red envelopes are given by grandma, grandpa, uncles, aunts, mom and dad of course. Also it is not uncommon for close friends and neighbors to give red envelopes to children during the festivities.

“When presented with a red envelope, you should [always] receive it with both hands and say 'Thank you!' and "Happy New Year! '” Yen says.

It is generally given out to children or younger unmarried relatives during Chinese New Year by those who are already married as tokens of good fortune and blessing for the year ahead. Typically, only married folks give out red envelopes, though unmarried people can also do so if they are feeling particularly generous.

Older married family members or friends traditionally give red envelopes to those younger than them, (unless they are married), with a strong emphasis on children, as a symbol of passing on luck and blessings.

Do you write name on red envelope? ›

Give what you feel comfortable, or what you would like to receive if it were your special day. For bonus points, give an amount that ends in eight for good luck and prosperity (and avoid amounts that include the number 4). You should write your name on the red envelope so they know who the gift is from.

Depicted as a red, vertical envelope with a gold design, typically featuring the Chinese character 福 (fú, “good fortune, luck, happiness"). Google's design previously featured the character upside down, indicating “good luck arrives.”

During this special cultural celebration, it's very common for Chinese people to give the gift of a red envelope (known as 紅包, hóngbāo) to friends and family. These long, narrow envelopes are filled with money and symbolize good wishes and luck for the new year ahead.

Li xi means "lucky." The tradition of giving Vietnam lucky money involves placing a small amount of money in a red envelope and giving it to children. This symbolizes wishes for luck, health, and prosperity and is only observed during the Lunar New Year and not other Vietnamese holidays.

“Not that kind of 红包!”

The Chinese Red Envelope started around the same time as the Spring Festival itself, in the Han Dynasty ( 202 BC – 220 AD), when 压岁钱 yā shuì qián was called 压胜钱 yā shèng qián—a talisman meant to “suppress the triumph of evil”.

Lunar New Year Envelopes

Red envelopes for the Lunar New Year made of plain paper can be placed in the recycling container. However, glossy envelopes with foil must go in the garbage.

Older married family members or friends traditionally give red envelopes to those younger than them, (unless they are married), with a strong emphasis on children, as a symbol of passing on luck and blessings.

Every Lunar New Year, children are typically given red envelopes containing "lucky money", meant to represent good wishes for the year ahead. Beginning this year on 16 February, the holiday is celebrated by hundreds of millions of people around the world.