The tradition of giving red packets, or “lai see” and “hong bao,” during Lunar New Year is a cherished custom in China. These red envelopes, filled with money and accompanied by auspicious greetings, symbolize good fortune. Originating in the Han dynasty to ward off evil, the practice has evolved to include digital red packets, especially popularized by WeChat in 2014. While digital options offer convenience, many still value the traditional paper versions, although concerns about scams persist. This tradition continues to celebrate community and goodwill.
One of the most cherished customs during the Lunar New Year in China is the giving of red packets, known as “lai see” in Cantonese and “hong bao” in Mandarin. These vibrant envelopes, typically given in pairs and filled with money, are accompanied by heartfelt greetings such as "gung1 hei2 faat3 choi4" in Cantonese or "gong1 xi3 fa1 cai2" in Mandarin, wishing recipients a prosperous and auspicious new year.
The bright red color of these packets is a symbol of good fortune and prosperity. Traditionally, the money enclosed tends to be an even number, which is believed to bring even greater luck. While red packets are most commonly associated with the Lunar New Year, they are also presented during other significant celebrations, including weddings and birthdays.
This delightful practice dates back to China’s Han dynasty (206 BC – AD 220), where red packets were originally used to fend off evil spirits. Over time, they evolved into a way for adults to convey good wishes to children and younger generations. In recent years, the tradition has embraced modern technology, leading to the rise of digital red packets.
The introduction of digital hong bao in mainland China began in 2014 with the popular social media platform WeChat. This innovative feature quickly gained traction, especially during the 2015 CCTV New Year’s Gala, a highly viewed television event where audience members received random cash rewards through digital red packets. This remarkable event facilitated the connection of 200 million WeChat users to their bank accounts, as reported by the Global Times.
As technology continues to advance, the practice of sending digital red packets has become a mainstream activity, with various companies utilizing them as a strategic marketing tool. Recent studies indicate that sharing digital red packets within online social networks can significantly enhance their effectiveness.
While the convenience of digital red packets is undeniable and offers an eco-friendly alternative, many people still appreciate the charm of traditional paper versions. One user on the Chinese social media platform RedNote expressed the joy of maintaining cultural traditions by giving cash to children and neighbors during the festive season. However, some users have raised concerns about the potential for scams involving digital red packets, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as the elderly. Instances of individuals being misled into sharing sensitive banking information through deceptive offers have been noted.
Overall, the practice of giving red packets—whether digital or physical—remains a joyful celebration of culture and community, symbolizing goodwill and prosperity as families and friends come together to welcome the new year.
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