Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a vibrant and joyful celebration steeped in tradition. It is a time when families come together to honor their heritage and welcome the new year with hope and good fortune. One of the most cherished customs during this festive season is the giving of a red envelope, also known as “hóngbāo,” which holds deep cultural significance.
ORIGINS OF THE RED ENVELOPE TRADITION:
The practice of giving red envelopes during the Lunar New Year has its roots in ancient Chinese folklore. Legend has it that a demon named ‘Sui’ would visit children while they slept on New Year’s Eve, causing them to fall ill. To protect their children, parents would try to keep them awake throughout the night. In one story, a child was given eight coins to play with to stay awake. When the demon attempted to pat the child’s head, the coins emitted a brilliant light that scared the monster away. These coins were believed to be the Eight Immortals in disguise, and this tale gave rise to the tradition of giving red envelopes.
THE SYMBOLISM OF RED ENVELOPES:
Red envelopes are not just about the money they hold; they symbolize luck, good fortune, and blessings for the new year. The color red is highly significant in Chinese culture, representing fire, joy, happiness, success, and prosperity. It is believed that displaying red decorations and wearing red garments during the Lunar New Year ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.
FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT RED ENVELOPES:
- The red envelope tradition originated from stories of a demon named ‘Sui’ who would terrorize children on New Year’s Eve.
- Red envelopes are given not only to children but also to friends, family, colleagues, and relatives.
- Clean, crisp notes are preferred in red envelopes, and it is common to exchange old bills for new ones before the new year.
- In the digital age, virtual red envelopes have become popular, allowing cash to be transferred directly to smartphones.
- The amount of money in a red envelope never includes the number ‘4’ due to its association with death, while numbers containing ‘8’ are considered lucky and bring prosperity.
- There are etiquettes for receiving red envelopes, such as receiving them with both hands and never opening them in the presence of the giver.
GIFTS TO AVOID:
To avoid embarrassment, it’s important to know which gifts to avoid giving to Chinese friends. For example, clocks signify sending someone to die, while knives or scissors symbolize ending or cutting off relationships. Giving a green hat as a gift implies that your wife is cheating on you. When giving money in a red envelope, be mindful of the numbers and quantities, as they can have different meanings in different regions of China.
CUSTOMS AND PRACTICES:
During the Lunar New Year, red envelopes are given as gifts to children by parents, grandparents, relatives, and even neighbors. They are traditionally presented with wishes for happiness, wealth, and prosperity. It is customary to use clean, crisp notes inside the envelopes, and some people even exchange old bills for new ones before the new year begins.
MODERN RED ENVELOPES:
In the digital age, the practice of giving red envelopes has evolved. Many people now exchange virtual red envelopes, known as e-hóngbāo, instead of traditional paper ones. These digital envelopes contain real money and are transferred directly to smartphones, adding a modern twist to this ancient tradition.
As the Lunar New Year approaches, let us embrace the rich traditions and customs that make this festival so special. From the vibrant red decorations to the joyous act of giving and receiving red envelopes, the Lunar New Year is a time of celebration, renewal, and the sharing of blessings. May the Year of the Wood Dragon bring happiness, good fortune, and prosperity to all!
