My sister, cousins and I spoke solely English at dwelling, however we busted out our clumsy, off-key Cantonese (the Chinese language dialect our households converse) to recite the standard new 12 months’s greeting kung hei fats choy, which implies “wishing you happiness and prosperity.” As soon as uttered, this magic phrase introduced a shiny red-and-gold envelope into our eagerly awaiting fingers.
When is fortunate cash given?
Fortunate cash envelopes—referred to as lai see in Cantonese and hong bao in Mandarin—are given to youngsters and, in some locations, seniors within the first two weeks of the Lunar New 12 months, up till the primary full moon, a day referred to as the Spring Competition or Chinese language Lantern Competition (this 12 months, Feb. 5).
Sometimes, when you get married, it’s your flip at hand out envelopes, and also you’ll obtain fewer your self. There are not any arduous and quick guidelines, although—single adults may additionally give and obtain lai see. Individuals typically give fortunate cash to their service suppliers. My mother and father, for instance, carry crimson envelopes for the servers at their common dim sum spot.
How a lot cash are we speaking?
In my youth, I acquired $5 or $10 from every relative and $20 from every guardian. Usually, the nearer your relationship is to the recipient, the extra fortunate cash you give, however the quantity is much less necessary than the spirit by which it’s given—in Chinese language tradition, the color crimson is an emblem of happiness and good luck.
Fortunate cash isn’t restricted to Lunar New 12 months. We additionally give and obtain lai see for particular events like birthdays, weddings, graduations and the beginning of a child. The envelopes now are available a variety of colors and designs. You may even get branded new 12 months’s envelopes from a few of Canada’s large banks, when you’re choosing up the crisp new payments to place inside them (giving outdated, wrinkly money is poor etiquette). And in Asia, you’ll be able to ship digital “crimson packets” through WeChat or AliPay.
What else to reward for Chinese language New 12 months?
When visiting family members, many Chinese language households carry conventional new 12 months’s sweets and snacks. Oranges and clementines are additionally widespread items.
Lunar New 12 months has develop into extremely commercialized, even in nations outdoors of Asia. My inbox is filled with emails from life-style and luxurious manufacturers selling 12 months of the Rabbit merchandise—all the things from purses, jewelry and sweats to cosmetics, Lego units and yoga mats, some extra thought-about than others.
Deal with your self or a pal in case you like, however don’t really feel pressured to purchase. In my expertise, new 12 months’s items aren’t a part of the custom—and I hope it stays that means, particularly because the Lunar New 12 months comes after the spend-y vacation season that features Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.