What is a Red Envelope (Hongbao)?

A red envelope (also called red packet, lai see in Cantonese, ang pow/ang pau in Hokkien, or hongbao 红包 in Mandarin) is a monetary gift given during holidays or special occasions in Chinese and other Asian cultures . It typically consists of cash placed inside a small red envelope, which is often decorated with gold Chinese characters, lucky symbols (dragons, phoenixes, lions), or messages of prosperity and good fortune .

Core Cultural Significance

1. Color symbolism: The color red is considered extremely auspicious in Chinese culture, symbolizing luck, happiness, prosperity, and ward off evil spirits.
2. Blessings and well-wishes: Red envelopes represent more than just money—they carry heartfelt blessings from the giver to the receiver.
3. Intergenerational connection: Traditionally, they strengthen family bonds by being given from older generations to younger ones or married couples to unmarried individuals.

Key Occasions for Giving Red Envelopes

Occasion	Special Name/Meaning	Details
Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year)	Yāsuìqián (压岁钱，"suppressing age money")	Given to children to protect them from evil spirits and wish for health and growth
Weddings	-	Given to the newlyweds to wish them a happy and prosperous marriage
Birthdays	-	Especially for children's birthdays, symbolizing good fortune for the coming year
Graduations	-	To celebrate academic achievement and wish for success in future endeavors
Housewarming	-	To wish the new homeowners prosperity and happiness in their new residence
Business openings	-	To wish the business owner good fortune and success

Traditional Customs and Etiquette

• Amount: Usually given in even numbers (especially multiples of 8, which sounds like "wealth" in Chinese), avoiding odd numbers (except for funerals)
• Presentation: Should be given with both hands as a sign of respect
• Reception: Recipients should not open the envelope immediately in front of the giver as a sign of politeness

Modern Evolution

With the rise of digital technology, electronic red envelopes (e-hongbao) have become increasingly popular, especially through mobile payment platforms like WeChat and Alipay. These digital versions preserve the cultural significance while adding new interactive elements, such as group red envelopes that can be randomly divided among multiple recipients.

English Usage Examples

• "Children eagerly wait for red envelopes from their grandparents during the Spring Festival."
• "I received a lai see from my Cantonese aunt at her wedding."
• "Many companies give red envelopes to employees as year-end bonuses."

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