Red envelope

A red envelope is a special gift of money given during holidays or important events like weddings, graduations, and birthdays. It started in China and later spread to parts of Southeast Asia and other places with many ethnic Chinese populations.

People usually put money inside a red-colored envelope, which is meant to bring good luck and happiness. The tradition shows kindness and is a way to share joy during celebrations.

In the mid-2010s, people began using digital red envelopes through messaging apps linked with mobile wallet systems, especially for the Chinese New Year. This made giving red envelopes easier and faster, with popular apps like WeChat leading the way.

Usage

Red envelopes with money, called hongbao in Mandarin and laisee in Cantonese, are given during special events like weddings and holidays such as Chinese New Year. The red color of the envelope represents good luck and helps keep away evil spirits.

Usually, younger people receive red envelopes from older family members. The money inside often ends with an even number because of Chinese beliefs. People avoid giving amounts with the number four, as it sounds like the word for "death." During Chinese New Year, business owners also give red envelopes to their workers.

Virtual red envelopes

Today, people can also send red envelopes online through instant messaging and social networking apps. WeChat started this in 2014 during Chinese New Year, and many other services added similar features. These digital envelopes let people share money with friends and family easily.

History

The tradition of the red envelope began a long time ago during the Han dynasty. People made special coins with good wishes like "May you live a long and successful life" to keep away bad spirits and bring good luck.

Later, during the Tang dynasty, families gave money to children for the Chinese New Year to keep away evil spirits. Over time, this grew into a special custom where elders gave lucky money to children. In the Song and Yuan dynasties, coins were threaded with a red string.

In the Ming and Qing dynasties, people used either red strings with coins or colorful pouches filled with coins. During the Republic of China (1912–1949), the tradition changed to giving 100 coins wrapped in red paper, wishing for a long life. Today, people often use banknotes instead of coins.

After the People's Republic of China was founded in 1949, the tradition of elders giving money to younger family members continued.

Other customs

Other similar traditions also exist in countries across Asia.

In Thailand, Myanmar (Burma), and Cambodia, people of Chinese heritage brought the practice of red envelopes. In Cambodia, they are called ang pav or tae ea and are given to younger family members as a symbol of good luck. They can be given during Chinese New Year or family gatherings.

In Vietnam, red envelopes are called lì xì and are given to children during Vietnamese New Year by elders and adults. In South Korea, children receive gifts called bokjumeoni during the New Year. In Japan, children receive gifts called otoshidama during the New Year, using white or decorated envelopes.

In the Philippines, Chinese Filipinos exchange red envelopes called ang pao during Lunar New Year. The custom has also become popular among Filipinos for birthdays, Christmas, and New Year, sometimes called ampaw.

Green envelope

Main article: Green envelope

Malay Muslims in Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, and Singapore use green envelopes during Eid al-Fitr instead of red. This tradition is linked to the Muslim practice of giving voluntary charity, called sadaqah.

Purple envelope

The tradition of ang pao was also adopted by Indian Hindu communities in Singapore and Malaysia for Deepavali, where they are called Deepavali ang pow or purple ang pow.