While people from many countries practice this tradition and there is variance in etiquette, there are some general important points to keep in mind. Definitely don’t let your kids give out lai see to older people, as this can be considered rude. A good guide for who should give lai see is going from big to small, senior to junior. Who should give red packets?īy giving lai see you are wishing prosperity and good luck for the coming year, so consider who you want to thank and wish well. If you receive a lai see, it means someone wishes you to have a good life ahead. Red is a significant color in Chinese culture it is believed to bring energy, fortune, and happiness.

The most important element is the red envelope that wraps the money. The money inside is not the focus, though. And as generations have passed, the tradition has extended to almost all festive social gatherings in China and other Asian cultures. During Chinese New Year, families distribute lai see to the younger family members. At a wedding ceremony, lai see is gifted to the couple with the belief that it will give them fortune. Several Chinese traditions include the giving of a lai see.

What’s the symbolism of giving red envelopes? A family exchanging red envelopes (© Calvin Chan Wai Meng via Canva) But as generations passed, the coins became bills slipped into red packets. Before, coins stringed together (old coins had holes in the middles) and wrapped in red paper were given to children. Since then, the belief has come about that the colour red wards off evil spirits, hence the giving of lai see. Sui the devil came and was about to attack the son, when the coins shined so bright that they warded off Sui. His parents then decided to place the wrapped coins under his pillows. The son wrapped the coins in red paper, unwrapped them, and wrapped them again until he got tired and eventually slept. On one New Year’s Eve past, a couple gave their son pockets of coins to play with to help him stay awake. So everybody started staying awake to wait for the New Year, keeping all lights on and saying, “Shou Sui” (守祟). This demon attacked everyone who was sleeping. How did the tradition of giving lai see start? According to Chinese folklore, an evil spirit named “Sui’‘ (祟) was roaming around during New Year’s Eve. The most basic things to remember are to give and receive lai see with two hands and wish everyone the essential Lunar New Year greeting, “Gong hey fat choy,” roughly meaning “Best wishes for prosperity in the new year.” What is the history of lai see? Lai see with ancient coins (© DAPA Images via Canva) If you want to get involved but are not sure of the etiquette, let us tell you what you need to know.

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