hong bao
Lucky money gift
Hong bao is a red envelope containing money, given as a gift in Chinese culture.
The tradition marks celebrations like Lunar New Year, weddings, and birthdays.
The red color symbolizes good luck and prosperity.
Parents give hong bao to children, employers to employees, newlyweds receive them from wedding guests: Did you get your hong bao from Grandma?
Also spelled hongbao.
Lunar new year celebration
- Lunar New YearFestival marking moon-calendar's beginning
- ancestorsThose from whom one descends
- customsTraditional practices or import taxes
- ritualsCeremonial repeated practices
heritage · filial piety · elders · respect · etiquette · reunion · family gathering · blessings
Wealth or destiny
- prosperityGood fortune, success
- blessingPrayer seeking divine favor
- auspiciousIndicating future success
- wealthAbundance of valuable resources
good wishes · abundance · windfall · lucky numbers · eight · favorable · boon · success
Primary color, warm
- packetSmall sealed container
- paperPressed pulp for writing
- calligraphyOrnamental handwriting art
- designPurposeful creative planning
embossed · decorations · symbols · dragon · phoenix · zodiac · character · ornate
Ready spending funds
- banknotesPaper currency notes
- currencyMedium of exchange
- amountTotal quantity present
- denominationNamed religious group
new money · savings · allowance · funds · payment · lucky money · token · sum
Marriage rite and feast
- birthdayAnnual date of origin
- new yearComing twelve months
- graduationCompleting academic requirements formally
- baby showerPre-birth gift gathering
housewarming · engagement · anniversary · festival · holiday · banquet · feast · reunion dinner
Spring Festival
Lunar new year celebration
- Lunar New YearFestival marking moon-calendar's beginning
- ancestorsThose from whom one descends
- customsTraditional practices or import taxes
rituals · heritage · filial piety · elders · respect · etiquette · reunion · family gathering · blessings · greetings
fortune
Wealth or destiny
- prosperityGood fortune, success
- blessingPrayer seeking divine favor
- auspiciousIndicating future success
good wishes · wealth · abundance · windfall · lucky numbers · eight · favorable · boon · success · karma
red
Primary color, warm
- packetSmall sealed container
- paperPressed pulp for writing
- calligraphyOrnamental handwriting art
design · embossed · decorations · symbols · dragon · phoenix · zodiac · character · ornate · folded
cash
Ready spending funds
denomination · new money · savings · allowance · funds · payment · lucky money · token · sum · deposit
wedding
Marriage rite and feast
- birthdayAnnual date of origin
- new yearComing twelve months
- graduationCompleting academic requirements formally
baby shower · housewarming · engagement · anniversary · festival · holiday · banquet · feast · reunion dinner · gift-giving