History of Red Packets: Turning Legends into a Blessing
Have you ever come across red envelopes and wondered what they’re all about? Well fear not my friend and read on to find out!
Red envelopes known as ‘red pockets’, ‘red packets’ or ‘红包’ (hóng bāo) in Chinese are usually exchanged at a specific occasion of the year... that’s right you’ve guessed it, Chinese New Year! These envelopes contain money inside known as 压岁钱 (yā suì qián) which is known as “money to anchor the year”, “lucky money” or “New Year’s money”. They are usually given to children by their elders including parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles etc.
The Significance of Red Packets
Why is it red you ask? Well besides the red envelopes, you’ll see many Chinese restaurants, shops and festivals where the colour red is most prominent and the main colour scheme. Traditionally, red represents energy, happiness and good luck in Chinese culture.
What is the significance of red envelopes? The envelopes in fact hold more significance than the money itself. As already mentioned about the colour red, red envelopes named yasui qian (压岁钱 /yaa-sway chyen/) translates to “suppressing ghosts money” thus, these envelopes are given to bring blessings and luck for the new year. (岁 Sui refers to the demon/monster) - I bet most of us wouldn’t have thought red packets originates from a demon right?
The Origin of Red PacketsSo how did this tradition begin? Dating back to the Han dynasty, coins were used instead of paper money with a sole purpose - to expel evil spirits.
The Legend of Red Packets
Legend explains that Sui (a demon) was defeated by the coins that were placed beside a sleeping child which shone a bright light and scared the demon away. In fact, light is commonly known to defeat darkness in Chinese and many other cultures around the world. Be it the light from a coin, an angel and even Jesus from the Bible!
Red Packets Today: Gone Global
In modern day, red packets are no longer solely given to children. Young people may give it to their elders to return the blessing and express their gratitude. In China, some married couples may also give to unmarried couples to bring some luck. (But the tradition that the unmarried are not required to give red packets still holds in place).
Today, giving red packets has reached beyond China and is given all over the world with celebrations taking place in many different countries.
Furthermore, with technology in the palm of our hands today, red packets no longer need to be given in its physical state. Online platforms such as Wechat have its own red packet feature to transfer money to friends and family wherever they are in the world. Digital platforms have even made it possible for us to donate to celebrities!
How To Give/Receive a Red Packet
Want to be involved in this tradition? You might need to make the first move! Follow the tips below!
Who to give red packets to
- Children/Youth usually still studying or without an income
- Your elders e.g. parents, grandparents
- Your work colleagues
What to put inside the red packet
- Notes - Only notes are given without coins! (Crisp ones are even better!)
When to give red packets
Although it is tradition and most commonly known to be given/received at Chinese New Year, this can also be given on other special occasions including weddings, birthdays, graduation, child birth etc.
Receiving red envelopes
It may be exciting whether it’s receiving your first ever one or 100th but remember to keep these in mind:
- Receive the packet with two hands.
- Open it in your own time as it is considered impolite to do so in front of the giver.
- Receive it with thanks!
Once you receive red packets you can reuse these envelopes and start your own red packet journey!
Wherever you are in the world - with friends and family, at home, or in lockdown, Chinese New Year can be an occasion that focuses on releasing blessings to one another!
More Information and References
https://chinesenewyear.net/red-pockets/
https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/festivals/red-envelop.htm
Figure 1 -
https://unsplash.com/photos/hPmwHHfizsk
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