VI
EN
Every spring, as Tet (Vietnamese New Year) approaches, the image of bright red lucky money envelopes becomes familiar in every Vietnamese family. But have you ever stopped to reflect on the deeper meaning hidden within those small envelopes? They are not simply envelopes for money, but also blessings, a bridge of affection between family members, and a symbol of good fortune, wealth, and prosperity in the new year.
The cultural tradition of giving and receiving blessings.
Giving lucky money, also known as New Year's lucky money, is a traditional custom with special significance during the Lunar New Year in many Asian countries. It involves giving small red envelopes containing money, symbolizing wealth, good fortune, and best wishes for the new year. The vibrant red envelopes, the color of prosperity and happiness, are not just gifts but also messages of love and wishes for a prosperous and healthy new year.
The custom of giving lucky money at the beginning of the year is not only a distinctive cultural feature of Vietnam but is also popular in many Asian countries.
The custom of giving lucky money envelopes during Tet (Vietnamese New Year) has long been an indispensable cultural tradition in many Asian countries, especially Vietnam. These bright red envelopes not only contain banknotes but also encapsulate good wishes for a lucky, healthy, and prosperous new year.
For young children, receiving lucky money is a joyful and exciting experience, a way to show appreciation and respect to their children and grandchildren at the beginning of the year. This custom not only strengthens family bonds but also fosters sharing and solidarity within the community.
Although they all share the meaning of bringing good luck and fortune in the new year, the ways of giving lucky money and the wishes expressed are incredibly diverse.
Each red envelope, big or small, is a heartfelt message, a way for people to exchange best wishes for a hopeful start to the new year.
Customs vary from country to country.
China, the land of magical fairy tales, is also the origin of the custom of giving red envelopes (li xi). Legend says that on New Year's Eve, a mischievous type of demon would appear to tease sleeping children. Seeing this, on New Year's Eve in a family with a young son, eight fairies transformed into coins, which the parents placed in a red bag at the head of the bed. When the demon arrived, the coins gleamed, scaring it away.
The Chinese have certain rules when giving red envelopes. For example, only new, clean banknotes are put into the red envelopes.
From then on, people put small change into small red envelopes, the color symbolizing good luck, and gave them to children during the New Year to bring good fortune and ward off bad luck. The red color of the envelope symbolizes luck, prosperity, and life. Giving lucky money envelopes is not only an act of material exchange but also a way to express affection and care from adults to children. Through this, people hope to bring children a peaceful, happy, and successful new year.
Traditionally, children would kneel to receive red envelopes from older family members. This custom is still practiced in some regions of China.
Red envelopes (lì xì) are a beautiful cultural tradition in Vietnam, expressing the care and love of adults for children. Vietnamese people traditionally meet and visit family and friends. On this occasion, older people give children red envelopes containing money, usually in brightly decorated red envelopes. There's a Vietnamese saying, "Green, green, red, the little ones are happy," and for children, these brightly colored red envelopes are like a magical blessing, bringing endless joy. The very name "lucky money" reflects the meaning of red envelopes in Vietnam: wishing children another year older, to be more obedient, healthy, and happy.
Red envelopes given during Tet (Lunar New Year) are not only gifts symbolizing good fortune but also carry a deeper meaning of discretion and equality.
In Japan, red envelopes are called "Otoshidama," and according to Japanese tradition, they are given to children with the wish that they will have a year filled with joy and good fortune. These red envelopes are often elaborately decorated with traditional motifs such as cherry blossoms, Mount Fuji, or animals symbolizing good luck.
According to ancient Japanese texts, "Otoshidama" originates from the belief that on the first days of the new year, the spirits of ancestors from the mountains will return to the family and bring good fortune and blessings.
When children open their red envelopes, they find brand-new bills and meaningful wishes from their loved ones. Otoshidama is not just a simple gift of money; it's a symbol of the connection between generations, a blessing from adults to children, reflecting the traditional values and culture of the Japanese people. The Japanese also consider the value of red envelopes to be private and discreet. Therefore, the envelopes are sealed, and children don't open the money in front of the giver, only accepting gifts from truly close friends and family. There's an age limit for receiving red envelopes; those over 20 years old are generally no longer given red envelopes.
In Japan, giving children money as a New Year's gift symbolizes the wish that they will grow older and achieve greater academic success in the coming year.
In Korea, the custom of giving money as gifts is called "Sebae-don." During Seollal (Korean Lunar New Year), after greeting grandparents and parents, children receive colorful Sebae-don envelopes. These envelopes are often elaborately decorated with traditional patterns and contain brand-new banknotes and good wishes.
Sebae don, also known as red envelopes, are envelopes of money given to children after they complete the Sebae ceremony. This is a symbolic reward representing good wishes and good fortune for the new year.
Sebae-don is not simply a monetary gift, but also a symbol of respect and gratitude towards elders. Giving and receiving Sebae-don is an important ritual during the Lunar New Year, helping to strengthen family bonds. Through receiving Sebae-don, Korean children are educated about politeness, gratitude, and the importance of sharing.
In Korea, red envelopes come in many different colors, sometimes even in pouches like these. The gifts can be cash, gold, or precious stones.
The custom of giving red envelopes, also known as "Ang Pao," is an indispensable tradition during the Lunar New Year in Malaysia, especially among the Chinese community, which makes up the majority of the population. The red envelopes not only symbolize good fortune and wealth, but also represent unity and love within the family and community. Importantly, the amount of money inside must be an even number, as Malaysians believe even numbers symbolize abundance and prosperity.
The custom of giving lucky money during Tet (Lunar New Year) is not just about exchanging red envelopes; it also carries profound spiritual values, reflecting family and community bonds and hope for a peaceful new year. From Vietnam to other Asian countries, each place has its own unique characteristics in this custom, but the common theme is sharing, wishing blessings, and spreading love.
