1. Origin & Legend (起源与传说)
The tradition of gifting Red Envelopes (Hongbao / 红包) during the Chinese New Year is fundamentally rooted in ancient exorcism and protection rituals. The specific money given to children is called Yasuiqian (压岁钱).
According to folklore, a terrifying demon named “Sui” (祟) would emerge on New Year’s Eve to touch the heads of sleeping children, causing them to fall violently ill. To protect their children, parents would stay awake all night (the origin of Shou Sui / 守岁). One family accidentally discovered that placing eight copper coins wrapped in red paper under a child’s pillow emitted a bright light that frightened the demon away. Thus, the money became known as Yasuiqian—literally “money to suppress the demon Sui.” Because Sui (祟 - demon) sounds identical to Sui (岁 - age/year), the term evolved to mean “money to anchor the year.”
2. Evolution & Form (演变与形式)
- Ancient Coins: Historically, Yasuiqian was not real currency meant for spending. In the Han Dynasty, it consisted of coin-shaped amulets cast with auspicious words like “May you live a long and peaceful life” (长命富贵). In the Qing Dynasty, people threaded copper coins together with red string in the shape of dragons.
- The Modern Red Envelope (Hongbao): With the advent of paper currency, the practice shifted to placing crisp, new banknotes inside a red paper pouch. The color red is the true source of luck and protection in Chinese culture, representing vitality, happiness, and a shield against evil. The money inside is secondary to the blessing of the red wrapper itself.
- Digital Envelopes: In the 21st century, the exchange of digital Red Envelopes via apps like WeChat has revolutionized the tradition, turning it into a massive, interactive national game of luck among friends, colleagues, and families.
3. Ritual Etiquette (仪式与礼节)
The exchange of Red Envelopes operates on strict generational and social etiquette:
- The Givers: Typically, married adults and elders give Red Envelopes to children, unmarried juniors, and sometimes directly to their own elderly parents as a sign of filial piety and wishing them longevity.
- The Receivers: Children must accept the envelope with both hands and immediately offer auspicious New Year greetings (such as “Gongxi Faca” - Wishing you prosperity) to the elder. It is considered extremely impolite to open the envelope and check the amount in front of the giver.
- The Amount: The amount of money must traditionally be an even number (as odd numbers are associated with funerals), ideally avoiding the number 4 (which sounds like “death”) and favoring the number 8 (which sounds like “wealth”). The bills should always be crisp and new.