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A Red envelope or '''Red packet''' is a monetary gift which is given in Chinese Society during holiday or special occasions. USAGE Red envelopes are often presented on social and family occasions such as a Chinese Marriage Wedding Reception s or a holiday such as Chinese New Year . One context is that it is known as ''yāsuì qián'', ) meaning ''"pressed money"''. The purpose of the red packet is that the Red color of the packet symbolizes good luck. The cash amount contained is usually required to be of an even number as odd numbers are related to cash given during funerals (帛金 ''Bai Jin''). The cash amount given for weddings is usually to cover the cost of the attendees, to help the newly married couple. During Chinese New Year, a ''hóng bāo'' is typically given by married to the unmarried. Any unmarried individual is eligible regardless of age. ORIGIN There are no clear literary sources from which to date the origin of the red envelope tradition. During the Qing Dynasty , elders would tie coins together with red string. These were called ''yāsuì qián'' and were believed to protect the elderly from sickness and death. The tradition evolved to the modern red envelopes after printing presses became common in China after the establishment of the Republic Of China in 1911. OTHER CUSTOMS Similar customs also exist in other countries in Asia. In Vietnam , red envelopes are called lì xì, similar to the Cantonese pronunciation, laisee. In Japan , a monetary gift, called '' Otoshidama '', is given to children by their relatives during the New Year period. A white envelope, however, is used instead in Japan and Korea , with the name of the receiver written on its obverse. In Thailand , Chinese-Thai have red envelope called as Ang Pow or Tae Ea. In Myanmar (Burma), Burmese Chinese use red envelopes known as "an-pao" (). SEE ALSO |
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