What is Chinese Lucky Money? A Helpful Red Packet Guide

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What is Written on Chinese Red Envelopes? New Year Ang Pao Guide

Chinese lucky money is placed in a red envelope, following a tradition that’s done every Chinese New Year and other special occasions by giving the packet to family, friends, relatives and acquaintances.

The red envelopes may have different designs and symbols, which are believed to bring good fortune, wealth and luck. The amount of lucky money in a packet would depend on the financial capability of the giver, the age of the receiver and the event or occasion. The amount may be affected depending on how close the giver and recipient are. During the Chinese New Year celebration, older kids usually receive a higher amount compared to the younger ones.

During the weddings, the lucky money given is just enough for the newly wed to buy themselves a gift that they can enjoy.

The lucky money is not just placed in any kind of envelope. There’s a tradition that is being followed, this is because of the different tales or legend behind the use of red packets or how it actually all started. The packet should be red since it signifies happiness and luck, and it also drives away evil spirits or monsters.

Children who received a red envelope use their lucky money to buy toys and candy while the bigger kids buy stuff for school or even save the money for tuition.

Red Envelopes Bring Good Luck

Chinese lucky money is also called as Yasuiqian in Chinese or Hongbao. Yasuiqian means “money warding off evil spirits” and it can also shield the kids from any misfortune and sickness. However, when given to the elderly, you’re wishing them long life and good health.

The lucky money in ancient China was actually coins that were strung together using a red line. The adults place the coins under the pillow of their kids while they were sleeping during New Year’s Eve, or they were given whenever they greet happy New Year to another person.

But today, the coins that were known as lucky money have evolved to paper money. Using coins and placing them in the red envelope is discouraged. Red packets now are more attractive with different designs, characters and symbols while combining other colors at the same time. Aside from that, brand new or crisp notes should only be put inside it.

Whoever is receiving a red envelope in an occasion like Chinese New Year is wished good luck and prosperity. If you ever you get one, never forget to say your thanks and greetings and to avoid opening the envelope in front of the giver as courtesy.

Red Envelope Printed Collection

We always want our receiver to feel happy when they get a red envelope. We want them to be fascinated and amazed too with the designs. There are many printing companies these days that take pride in what they do especially in producing red packets for Chinese New Year and other occasions.

You have the option to choose an in-house red envelope design, foil stamping and logo printing, or have your own exclusive design created according to your needs. Different types of fancy and textured papers to choose from, other add ons may also be applied to your red packet to enhance its overall look and presentation.

Types of Printing Effects on a Money Packet

If you want an attractive red envelope, printing a character or symbol with an effect on it will definitely make it eye-catching. Here are some known printing effects that you can choose from:

Foil Stamping – it adds flair to a plain red packet. Aside from the most popular gold color, you may choose different shades too. A thin strip of foil will be threaded through a foil press mechanism wherein the packet is placed under the foil. The applied heat and pressure will leave an indent on the envelope (deboss) and not the ink. The heat will then make the color from the foil used “bleed” on the packet.
Prism Stamping – it’s very versatile and metallic colors may be used as well.
Flocking – a process that involves putting a lot of small fiber particles on the envelope resulting to a texture known as flocked surface.
Spot UV – a UV coating is applied to a certain area or areas of the packet.
Laser – a die-cut technique can imitate even the most complex design using a laser. With this, it allows you to create a beautiful and high-quality piece.
Embossing – it’s a way of creating raised designs and images against the background in materials such as paper, etc.

Selecting the Right Material for Your Chinese Money Envelope

When you choose to have a custom-made red envelope, selecting the right material is a tricky process, and you will need the assistance of the printing company’s designer since they are knowledgeable on this matter.

It’s not just about the taste and preference; it’s also about the budget that you can allocate. The kind of materials that will be used have different prices, but you are rest assured of a good-quality output regardless of the price.

The red color has different shades, ranging from bright red to burgundy with a combination of metallic, solid, matt or translucent types of paper. However, it will depend on the occasion. And if you are using it for Chinese New Year, you should stick with the traditional color that is always used during this celebration.

There are also red packets made of embroidered silk fabrics with Chinese knot, pendants and patterns. You can message or drop by the office of the printing company for more inquiries and clarification.

Fancier Designs Drive People to Collect

Fancier designs of red envelopes and the ease of trading them on the different market places online are driving people’s interest in collecting red packets.

With this, it can be worth more because of the growing number of individuals or community collecting them, increasing the value as design pieces.

In the listings of the collector’s group, you’ll find out that many don’t actually follow the traditional design or color, and this may be the reason why there are a lot of red packet collectors.

Today, hongbao is not just plain red anymore according to designers of suppliers since they are more likely into incorporating bold colors and complex designs and they use more costly materials.

Before, it was just printing and stamping but now, more suppliers are handling fancy paper, satin and leather. This makes the process of decoration complicated. It is still common to see at least three or more decorating procedures in one red envelope. It may include ultraviolet treatment, embroidery and flock printing, adding a velvet-like texture using the fibers of textile.

An example of an elaborate red packet involves techniques for multiple decorations such as Swarovski crystal embellishment, embroidery and satin material stamping.

Brands are competitive over red packet designing and would use better finishing and elegant materials.

The collection of red packets these days are not just because of interest, it has now become more of buying and selling them. It is a competition on who can get red packets from the better brands.

What do you think? Can you see yourself as a collector out of hobby or as a trader?

Red Pockets Goes Digital

China’s tech companies continue to build their financial services; they are convincing people that the exchange or giving of red packets can still be done in a fun way through the use of smartphones.

WeChat’s red packet is one indicator that it has become successful and fairly popular. Smartphone users these days are eager to try new things.

In 2015, over one billion red envelopes were delivered through WeChat, and on Jan 1, 2016, it reached to more than 2.3 billion red packets sent.

Many are using this method because it’s quick and convenient, especially if the receiver is far away, but it still lacks the subtlety of receiving the red envelope in person with brand new and crisp notes.

Learn the Basics on How to Give a Red Packet

Giving and receiving a red envelope has simple rules that you just need to remember:

Give crisp and new bills or notes.
Avoid putting coins.
Avoid the amount with number 4.
Know the right amount to give to your elders, younger kids, your own children, employees, family and relatives, other kids and acquaintance.

Zodiac Year 2020: Year of the Rat

According to Chinese Zodiac, 2020 is the year of the metal rat which will start on January 25 until the Lunar New Year’s Eve on February 11, 2021.

Chinese zodiac’s first 12 year cycle is the rat. It includes the years 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032…

In the zodiac signs, the rat ranks first even if it’s not that adorable, and it’s also found in the derogatory languages. Its characteristic is like an animal with spirit, alertness, wit, flexibility, fragility and vitality.

In terms of the people’s fortune that is born in the year of the rat, it says it will be a prosperous wealth and career. There may be salary increase, promotion, may pass exams for qualification and receive certificates. With regards to health, one may experience heart problem and respiratory system illness.

For those who are seeking love and relationship, the single will begin a connection if they try their best to chase after someone or ask help from their elders. With this, it is advised to stay away from entertainment places and not to drink too much liquor.

Alibaba Envelope Printing

We take pride in printing the best and high-quality red envelopes for any occasion. You can tell us what you need, the design and elements that you want. We can discuss what fits your preference and what your budget can achieve.

We understand the importance of the Chinese lucky money tradition, and we all want our receivers to be mesmerized and happy when they get their red packets. Drop us a message today and we’ll contact you as soon as we can.