Taboos to Know When Giving Lucky Money

Giving lucky money is a beautiful tradition during the Lunar New Year in many Asian countries. However, many people may not be aware of the dos and don’ts when giving red envelopes.

Lucky money is a long-standing and meaningful custom in Vietnam. On the first day of the Lunar New Year, children express their good wishes to the elders, and the elders in the family give red envelopes filled with money to the younger generations as a way to bestow blessings at the beginning of the year. The money in the red envelope is believed to bring luck, goodness, and prosperity to children at the start of the year.

1. Use even amounts of money in the red envelope to symbolize good fortune

Including an even amount of money in the red envelope during the Lunar New Year is considered luckier than using odd amounts. Many believe that “good things come in pairs”; thus, even numbers symbolize good fortune. The money placed in the red envelope should be an even number.

In recent years, instead of giving even amounts like 50,000 VND or 100,000 VND, many people prefer to give amounts that hold lucky significance. For example, the number 6 symbolizes “luck,” the number 8 represents “prosperity,” and the number 10 signifies perfection.

Other lucky numbers include 168, which means “prosperity and wealth”; 188, where the number 8 symbolizes wealth and prosperity. The repetition of the number 8 in 188 conveys the message of “quickly gaining wealth and prosperity.”

The number 1001 means “unique,” indicating that the recipient of the lucky money is one of a kind, irreplaceable.

Amounts like 40,000 VND or 400,000 VND should be avoided in the red envelope because, in feng shui, the number 4 is associated with the word “death,” which is considered unlucky.

Red envelopes should be used.

2. Include new money in the red envelope

Using new money represents a fresh start. It demonstrates sincere wishes for children and the elderly to have a new year filled with good things, leaving behind the unpleasant experiences of the past year.

3. Do not use old red envelopes

Many people keep red envelopes from previous years to reuse them. That’s why this year’s Year of the Monkey, you might receive an envelope featuring the Horse or Goat, or even with the year printed on it. This is seen as a lack of respect as giving old items during the New Year signifies not valuing the recipient.

Do not open the red envelope in front of the giver.

4. Only use red envelopes

Traditionally, the color red is associated with positive energy and symbolizes happiness, luck, and wealth. During the New Year, everything from homes, decorations, food, and clothing tends to feature the color red to align with the spring atmosphere.

In fact, the significance of giving a red envelope lies in the color itself, rather than the money inside. Therefore, choose the lucky red color for the envelope. Avoid trying to be unique by purchasing envelopes in unusual colors.

5. Do not open the red envelope in front of the giver

In East Asian culture, unwrapping any gift in front of the giver is considered impolite. Similarly, you should remind children not to open the red envelope immediately in front of the giver. There have been instances where both sets of parents felt embarrassed when children complained about the amount of money being too little.

6. Always prepare red envelopes in advance

Red envelopes should be prepared ahead of time to make it convenient for giving, avoiding situations where you might unexpectedly meet someone and wish to give lucky money but don’t have any envelopes or are just starting to look for them.

7. Receive the red envelope with both hands

Always receive the red envelope from someone with both hands to express gratitude and respect. It is considered rude to use one hand to accept the envelope.

If you are unmarried, it is not necessary to give lucky money to others.

8. Those who earn money should give lucky money to others

Traditionally, if you have started earning money, that marks the time when you begin to experience giving lucky money to others. This is a way to share your blessings from the past year with family and friends while also receiving good fortune for the new year from others. Essentially, it is a principle of giving and receiving that we should adhere to.

Typically, the amount of lucky money depends on your income. However, if you are unmarried, it is not mandatory to give lucky money to others.

9. Avoid the number 4 in the envelope

Amounts like 40,000 VND or 400,000 VND should be omitted from the red envelope. In feng shui, the number 4 is connected to the word “death,” which is deemed unlucky. A suitable number to include in the red envelope is 8.

10. Do not seal the red envelope completely

A red envelope that is not sealed allows the recipient to open it easily, which can bring a year of comfort, convenience, and luck in both family life and work. Therefore, the red envelope should not be sealed tightly to avoid creating difficulties for the recipient.

11. Do not beg for lucky money

Begging for more lucky money from grandparents, parents, or relatives is disrespectful and undermines the traditional significance of giving lucky money at the start of the year.

Unique Ways to Give Lucky Money

Instead of adults giving lucky money to children and receiving best wishes in return, you can innovate by creating games where winners receive lucky money. Alternatively, you could have a lucky money draw or pick lucky money from a tree.

Giving lucky money that is not cash

Besides cash, lucky money can also be given in the form of vouchers, travel experiences, jewelry, or gemstones.

Giving lucky money via electronic applications

Giving lucky money through electronic applications is now very common and not unusual. This method is fast, modern, and very suitable for the younger generation.

• The significance of red envelopes in conveying sentiments and wealth
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• Why is the 2 USD bill often given as lucky money during Tet?