Lunar New Year Traditions: Red Packets

Happy Lunar New Year 2022! A vital part of Lunar New Year celebrations is the preparation and gifting of red packets. Also known as red envelopes, or hongbao (Mandarin), these red packets usually contain money and are given to the important people in one’s life before the New Year begins.

Where can one buy hong bao?

In the weeks leading up to the Lunar New Year, empty hong bao envelopes can be found in a lot of places. Many fast food outlets, restaurants, and banks give out empty hong bao pockets to customers for free. Empty hong bao can also be purchased in places such as grocery stores, stationery stores, markets, and street kiosks. Although traditionally red, nowadays hong bao envelopes can be gold, pink, purple, turquoise, or other colors, with Chinese characters, with traditional patterns, logos, pictures, or even cartoons. Some are specific to the upcoming year’s animal or a specific family name, while others are generic.

Is it important to put crisp, new bills in the envelopes?

About a week before the Lunar New Year, the banks issue new notes or bills. It is seen as auspicious to give new notes. Some Chinese/Hong Kong residents order ahead a certain number of notes to make sure the bank has enough new notes for them.

What is written on the envelopes?

Many envelopes contain the character 'fu' on them, symbolizing good luck or fortune. This symbol is also visible in front of many houses or on auspicious artifacts.

Does it always have to be money?

No! Sometimes people put store coupons inside their red packets. Some retailers even prepare them with their store’s coupons inside for people to buy and give to others.

Who gets hong bao?

Typically anyone who has served you throughout the year will get a hong bao. This could be the security guards in your apartment building, the cleaners who clean the common area in your apartment building, the juniors at your hairdresser, your hairdresser, your manicurist, your barber, the tea lady at work, as well as others.

How much do you give in each envelope?

The rule of thumb is that the closer the person is to you or the more they have done for you, the more you will give!