23 Jan 2025
As the world approaches the Lunar New Year on January 29, 2025, marking the start of the Year of the Snake, the tradition of giving red envelopes, known as hongbao (红包) in Mandarin and lai see (利是) in Cantonese, comes to the forefront of celebrations. This cherished custom is not only a symbol of good wishes and prosperity but also a means of connecting families and friends across distances.
This blog post will explore the rich history behind the red envelope tradition, its cultural significance, and how modern digital payment methods are transforming the way people send money to China from abroad for their loved ones.
The origins of the red envelope tradition are steeped in ancient legends. One popular story involves a demon named Sui, who would frighten children while they slept. To protect their children, parents would keep them awake on New Year's Eve.
In one tale, a child was given coins to play with to stay awake but eventually fell asleep with the coins on his pillow. When Sui appeared, the coins emitted a bright light that scared the demon away. This led to the belief that giving money wrapped in red envelopes could ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. This history underscores the deep cultural roots of the tradition, tying it to themes of protection and good fortune.
Another legend suggests that the red color is associated with warding off evil and bringing good luck. The color red is synonymous with joy, happiness, and prosperity in Chinese culture. The historical connection between red envelopes and the Nian monster highlights this significance.
Traditionally, red envelopes are given to unmarried children and younger family members by parents, grandparents, and other relatives. It is also common for close friends and neighbours to participate in this custom.
The act of giving and receiving red envelopes is often accompanied by warm greetings such as "Gōng Xǐ Fā Cái" (恭喜发财), meaning "Wishing you wealth and prosperity." As individuals grow older and marry, they begin to give out envelopes instead of receiving them, marking their transition into adulthood and their new responsibilities within the family structure.
Those who live outside China can still be a part of these traditions through a quick and safe money transfer to China via ACE’s money transfer app. This way, they can send love in the form of lucky money for their near ones and keep their roots tied with their culture.
When it comes to how much money to include in a red envelope, certain amounts are considered more auspicious than others. For example, amounts containing the number 4 are avoided due to their association with death, while amounts with 8 (a lucky number) are preferred.
Amounts that include lucky numbers like 6, 8, or 9 are often preferred. It is customary to use crisp, new bills rather than old or wrinkled ones to symbolize fresh beginnings. Additionally, when giving or receiving a red envelope, it is polite to use both hands. This gesture conveys respect and sincerity towards the recipient, enhancing the cultural significance of the exchange.
With advancements in technology and digital payment methods, sending lucky money has become more accessible than ever. Platforms like ACE Money Transfe and Alipay have revolutionized how people send hongbao, allowing families separated by distances to maintain this cherished tradition. Digital red envelopes maintain the spirit of this tradition while adapting to modern conveniences.
The color red is deeply embedded in Chinese culture, symbolizing joy, happiness, and prosperity. It is believed to bring positive energy and ward off negative influences. This connection is historically significant, as the color red is associated with the legendary beast Nian, which terrorized villagers during the New Year. To scare away Nian, people used red decorations and loud noises, establishing red as a symbol of protection and good fortune.
When it comes to filling red envelopes, it is customary to include crisp, new banknotes. This practice symbolizes fresh beginnings and prosperity for the upcoming year. Using old or wrinkled bills is considered disrespectful and can be seen as a bad omen, as it does not convey the same positive energy that new money does.
The manner in which red envelopes are given or received holds cultural significance. It is polite to use both hands when presenting or accepting a red envelope. This gesture conveys respect and sincerity towards the recipient, reinforcing the importance of honor and gratitude in Chinese customs.
While there are no strict rules regarding how much money to include in a red envelope, certain amounts carry auspicious meanings. For example, amounts that include lucky numbers like 6 (which represents smoothness), 8 (symbolizing wealth), or 9 (denoting longevity) are preferred. Conversely, amounts containing the number 4 should be avoided because it sounds like the word for "death" in Chinese.
In today’s digitalized world, distances can’t refrain you from celebrating your traditions even if you live overseas. You can safely send money to China online using ACE Money Transfer mobile app or website with the amounts including the lucky numbers like 6, 8, 9, etc.
In recent years, the tradition of giving red envelopes has evolved with technology. Digital platforms now allow people to send virtual red envelopes filled with money through apps like ACE Money Transfer and Alipay. This modern twist maintains the spirit of the tradition while making it easier for families separated by distance to participate in this cherished custom during Lunar New Year celebrations.
When it comes to sending red envelope money digitally, ACE Money Transfer stands out as an ideal choice for your remittance needs. Here’s why:
With these features combined, ACE Money Transfer makes it easier to share joy and blessings during Lunar New Year celebrations when you send payment from abroad wrapped in your affection, care, and love for your dear ones.
As you celebrate this joyous time leading up to January 29th, may your Lunar New Year be filled with warmth, happiness, and prosperity! Embrace this opportunity to connect with loved ones through thoughtful gifts of lucky money—traditional or digital—as you welcome a new year full of possibilities. Giving "lucky money" during the Lunar New Year is a custom with deep cultural and symbolic meanings, representing wishes for prosperity, health, and happiness in the coming year.
By understanding these elements of Hongbao and how digital payment methods enhance this age-old tradition, you can engage more deeply with this cherished custom while spreading joy during this festive season.
ACE Money Transfer feels honored to make a safe and secure, efficient, and affordable online money transfer to China possible for you so you don’t miss the most important Chinese New Year festival even from overseas.
Traditionally, lucky money is given to children and unmarried adults within the family as a symbol of good luck and blessings for the new year. It's also common to give envelopes to service providers or close friends.
While there are no strict rules on how much to give, amounts that include lucky numbers like 8 are favored for their auspicious meanings. The relationship between the giver and the recipient often influences the amount.
Yes! Many apps now allow you to send digital red envelopes easily while preserving the cultural significance of this tradition.
Lucky money is typically given during the first two weeks of Lunar New Year celebrations until the Lantern Festival, which is on February 12, 2025.
