My sister, cousins and I spoke solely English at house, however we busted out our clumsy, off-key Cantonese (the Chinese language dialect our households communicate) to recite the normal 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 arms.
When is fortunate cash given?
Fortunate cash envelopes—known 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 Yr, up till the primary full moon, a day known as the Spring Pageant or Chinese language Lantern Pageant (this 12 months, Feb. 5).
Usually, when you get married, it’s your flip at hand out envelopes, and also you’ll obtain fewer your self. There are not any laborious and quick guidelines, although—single adults may also give and obtain lai see. Folks typically give fortunate cash to their service suppliers. My mother and father, for instance, deliver crimson envelopes for the servers at their common dim sum spot.
How a lot cash are we speaking?
In my youth, I obtained $5 or $10 from every relative and $20 from every mum or dad. Typically, the nearer your relationship is to the recipient, the extra fortunate cash you give, however the quantity is much less vital than the spirit through 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 Yr. 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 possibly can even get branded new 12 months’s envelopes from a few of Canada’s huge banks, whilst you’re choosing up the crisp new payments to place inside them (giving previous, wrinkly money is poor etiquette). And in Asia, you’ll be able to ship digital “crimson packets” by way of WeChat or AliPay.
What else to reward for Chinese language New Yr?
When visiting kin, many Chinese language households deliver conventional new 12 months’s sweets and snacks. Oranges and clementines are additionally well-liked items.
Lunar New Yr has turn into extremely commercialized, even in international locations outdoors of Asia. My inbox is full of emails from life-style and luxurious manufacturers selling Yr 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 good friend in the event 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 approach, particularly because the Lunar New Yr comes after the spend-y vacation season that features Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.