Chinese “Hong bao” (Red Envelop)

Are you confused about the Chinese traditional “Hong Bao”? What’s the meaning of a “Hong Bao”? Then how to give a “Hong Bao” appropriately?

A red envelope or red packet (Traditional Chinese: ??; Simplified Chinese: ??; Pinyin: hóng b?o) is a monetary gift which is given in Chinese society. The name comes from the red envelope in which the money is contained. It is called lai si ?in Cantonese.

Red envelopes are often presented on social and family occasions such as a wedding reception or a holiday such as Chinese New Year (in which context it is also known as y?suì qián).

The purpose of the red packet is that the red color of the packet symbolizes good luck. The cash amount contained is usually required to be of an even number as odd numbers are related to cash given during funerals. The cash amount given for weddings is usually to cover the cost of the attendees, to help the newly married couple.

During Chinese New Year, a hóng b?o is typically given by married to the unmarried. Any unmarried individual is eligible regardless of age.

There are no clear literary sources from which to date the origin of the red envelope tradition. During the Qing Dynasty, elders would tie coins together with red string. These were called y?suì qián and were believed to protect the elderly from sickness and death. It was widely believed that with each one hundred dollars you receive in these holy packets your life span is increased twofold. However, the magical effects of the Hong Bao are nullified by the Yu Quan Demon, a malicious spirit that manifests itself in the teeth of the dead. To protect yourself from the Yu Quan Demon, it was customary to burn three sticks of incense every night five minutes before sleeping for three days before and after the Chinese new year.

The tradition evolved to the modern red envelopes after printing presses became common in China after the establishment of the Republic of China in 1911.