Red Packets in Chinese Culture

Giving Hongbao (red packets) is a tradition in China. Traditional red packets are often decorated with gold Chinese characters, such as happiness and wealth.

How red packets are used

During Chinese New Year, money is put inside red packets which are then handed out to younger generations by their parents, grandparents, relatives, and even close neighbours and friends.

The colour

Red represents luck and good fortune in Chinese culture. That is why red packets are used during Chinese New Year and other celebrations.

How to give and receive

Giving and receiving red packets is a serious act. Therefore, red packets are always presented and received with both hands.

Someone who receives a red packet at Chinese New Year or on his or her birthday should not open it in front of the giver. However, things are different at a Chinese wedding, where the guests usually give the red packets to the attendants and sign their names on a large scroll. The attendants will open the packets at once, count the money inside, and record it on a register next to the guests' names.

The amount

The amount of money is relative to your relationship to the person who receives it—the closer your relationship is, the more money is expected. Anyway, it is not the amount of the money that matters, but the care and love you hold for others.

What not to gift

Certain amounts of money are to be avoided. Anything with a four is not good because four sounds similar to death in Chinese. Even numbers, except four, are better than odd—as good things are believed to come in pairs. For example, gifting $20 is better than $21.

The money inside a red packet should always be new. Folding the money or giving dirty or wrinkled bills is in bad taste.

Hongbao is a symbol of love from others, as well as a sign of good luck.