"Lai see" or hong bao (red packet) is given out during Chinese Lunar New Year for good luck, good blessings and to ward of evils. It is also called "yasui qian" in Mandarin. It's a tradition that has been practiced for the longest time in Chinese culture. In the olden days, people use red string to string together coins (coins in the olden days has a hole in the middle), then red paper was used by having it folded with the coins inside for this purpose. When printing presses becomes more available, the red packet we know today comes into existence and is widely used. With money coming in paper notes, that makes preparing lai see easier and less heavy to carry.
Usually even numbers are given to signifies good luck, but not number 4 - which in Chinese sounds very close to "death". Example HKD 20.00 with 2 HKD10.00 inside the packet and new notes are preferred as it's new year after all. Odd numbers and number 4 usually is usually associated with funerals.
Generally, it's given by married people to singles (especially children) and not vice versa. Parents will give to their off-spring (married or single) and in this case the children can give to the parents as well for good luck, to ward off evils and sickness - hence the it is called "yasui qian". However, nowadays it is acceptable for seniors to give to the juniors, for example: boss giving to subordinates.
It is also believed that being able to give lai see signifies prosperity for the giver and good luck or the receiver.
Red packet is also given on special occasions like wedding ceremonies as good luck, goodwill and well-wishes.
Since it's basically giving away money, obviously none of the WG will say no. Coupled with the fact that receiving this is supposed to bring luck, the more the better.
[ Last edited by Tuffbod at 2-2-2012 16:41 ] | |
