Learn about the custom of giving lucky money during the New Year.

The term "li xi" originates from the Chinese word "li shi." In Mandarin, this custom is called "hong bao," while in Cantonese it's "li shi." Regardless of the name, li xi signifies lucky money, good fortune, and auspiciousness.

If adults give red envelopes to children, it means they are hoping to pass on a year of good fortune and blessings to the children. If young people give red envelopes to older people, it conveys a wish for longevity and expresses their gratitude to the older generation.

Legendary

According to legend, there was a monstrous creature called Nian (年). Once a year, it would emerge from the forest at night and devour entire villages. The protective measures against Nian on New Year's Eve gradually transformed into a spring festival. Parents would give their children some money that night. In this way, the children would have something to bribe the monster or other evil spirits.

In another popular story, there is a demon named Sui (祟). On New Year's Eve, it will come and gently pat the heads of sleeping children. Its touch will haunt the children. To protect their children, parents will have to stay awake all night.

A couple gave their child a coin to play with. When the child fell asleep, they placed the coin next to the child's pillow. At midnight, a strange gust of wind blew out the candle. When Sui reached for the child, the coin gleamed in the darkness and frightened the child away. The next day, the couple wrapped the coin in red paper and showed it to their neighbors.

History

The tradition of giving red envelopes (li xi) dates back to the Han Dynasty. Instead of real money, these were small collectibles in the form of coins to ward off evil spirits. Auspicious phrases and symbols were engraved on the surface of the coins, such as "Peace and Prosperity Under Heaven" (天下太平—tiān xià tài píng), and "Longevity and Good Fortune" (千秋万岁—qiān qiū wàn suì). These coins were originally tied together with red string, but later wrapped in red paper and are now placed in red envelopes.

How much money should I give as a New Year's gift?

During the Ming Dynasty (20th century), the custom of giving red envelopes (li xi) was often associated with the number 100, symbolizing longevity. That's why people usually put 100 coins in red envelopes as gifts. When it switched to banknotes, people chose bills with consecutive serial numbers as gifts, implying good fortune, smooth sailing, and success.

However, in reality, the amount of money placed in a red envelope is not specifically regulated but depends on the giver's intentions and manner. Regardless of the amount, if both the giver and the recipient open their hearts to receiving the envelopes as a sign of good fortune, then the amount of money inside becomes less important; it only serves as a symbolic gesture.

How to give/receive lucky money

Historically, red envelopes (li xi) were given when children visited their grandparents. In traditional, well-mannered households, elders would sit in chairs in the main house while children would have to bow three times before receiving a red envelope. In more modest families, children would simply offer a few words of greeting to the elders before asking for the red envelope.

Nowadays, things have become much simpler, and elaborate rituals have been omitted. However, good wishes are still exchanged when giving and receiving red envelopes (li xi). In Vietnam, all money placed in red envelopes must be new bills, regardless of denomination. This symbolizes a fresh start and prosperity. During Tet (Vietnamese New Year), guests often prepare red envelopes for the host's children and grandchildren, and vice versa.

Hopefully, giving lucky money will always remain a beautiful custom, a thoughtful gift at the beginning of the year, conveying wishes for peace and prosperity to our family and friends.

Nga Nguyen