In Chinese culture a red envelope or red packet is a monetary gift given during holidays or special occasions, and is most commonly seen during the Chinese New Year. Unlike the hallmark cards of the West, red envelopes given during the New Year are relatively unadorned, containing, if anything, simple Chinese characters such as happiness and wealth; they’re also left unsigned and free of any kind of message. For birthdays and weddings, however, a short expression appropriate for the occasion is optional. Some less-traditional red envelope cards from stores or companies may contain a gift certificate inside rather than money.
The origin of the red envelope is believed to date back to the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC), when the elderly would thread coins with a red string. The money was thought to ward off evil spirits and protect younger generations from sickness and an untimely death, as red symbolizes luck. The advent of the printing press saw the red envelope replacing the coin.
” the envelope is always presented and received with both hands. “
Red symbolizing good luck also relates to the history of the Chinese New Year. According to legend, the Chinese New Year used to start with a battle against a mythical beast known as Nian. Nian would come the first day of the new year to eat livestock, crops, villagers and had a particular penchant for eating children. As a means of protection, villagers placed food outside their doors at the beginning of every year to appease the beast. One day people noticed that Nian was frightened by a child wearing red, and realized its weakness. This accounts for the abundance of red you see at Chinese New Year festivities, since red symbolizes good fortune.
” Out of respect and as a courtesy, the receiver should not open the envelope in front of the giver.”
During the Chinese New Year, red envelopes are handed out to younger generations by their relatives, and even close friends or neighbors. Since the exchange is a solemn act, the envelope is always presented and received with both hands. Out of respect and as a courtesy, the receiver should not open the envelope in front of the giver.
” red envelopes are handed out to younger generations by their relatives, and even close friends or neighbors. “
Personally, I’m all for the red envelope idea. Not only does it cut out the trouble of trying to figure out what to get someone, it even settles the question of a card and frees the giver from having to come up with a trite sentimental statement to put down.
But all kidding aside, the tradition of the red envelope contains a history of gift-giving far richer than anything we have here in the West, and reflects the desire of older citizens for the younger generation to prosper and thrive in the new year.