Traveling Trunk

Red envelopes are presented to people at special occasions such as weddings or holidays. They contain a gift of money and are known as “lucky money” (47). The red color of the envelope is thought to bring good luck and protect against evil spirits.

Lucky money is one of the most popular features of the Chinese New Year. It is a tradition in Chinese families for adults who are married to give youngsters a gift of hóng bāo for their good fortune. The money inside the envelope is thought to bring some happiness to the recipient; the red envelope is the real gift. It indicates the gift giver’s intention of good luck to the youngster. Children who get the most hóng bāo always feel like they are getting more love and blessings (48).

The envelopes are very thin because they are meant to only hold paper bills, not bulky coins. According to Chinese etiquette, the children know that it is considered rude behavior to open the envelopes, or any gift for that matter, in front of the gift giver (49).