红包 (hóngbāo) is a small gift made with a red envelope. These gifts are given at celebrations, such as the New Year, weddings, birthdays and many other special occasions. In Chinese culture, hóngbāo often means “festival”.
Early red envelopes were made from folded from red paper covered with words of blessing and luck. The practice of putting money in the envelopes began in the Ming and Qing dynasties, with copper plates in the envelopes. This evolved into the modern red envelopes as a gift of money.
New Year’s Money
It is the custom at New Year for parents to give red envelopes to their children. These gifts are called ‘New Year’s money’ and are to bring blessings and good luck.
In mainland China, the habit of giving red envelopes mainly exists among close relatives and friends. However, different areas have different customs of giving. For example, among co-workers, ordinary friends, and neighbors giving to children. In these cases, the amount in the red envelope is often small and is purely for good luck.
Generally, the amount of money in the envelope is in proportion to the friendship between the two parties. It is customary to put clean, crisp notes in the envelopes and for the recipient not to take the money out of the envelope in front of the giver.
Festive red envelopes
Besides the New Year, people give the red envelopes at other festive occasions, such as weddings, birthdays, graduations and even store openings. It means to send blessings.
Red envelopes as bribe
Unfortunately, giving red envelopes became a common way to give a bribe. A way to get some favor or services. However, today in China, it is illegal to give red envelopes as a bribe no matter how much you give or to whom you give it.
Digital Red Envelopes
Like many other things in the modern age of the smartphone giving red envelopes has become virtual. This makes it easier than ever to give the gift. Billions of red envelopes are transferred each year using digital payment platforms.
Recent Comments