Here’s the part that makes everyone, from kids to the elderly, break into a smile: the red envelopes (or “hongbao”). These are little red packets filled with money. It’s not about the amount; it’s about the color and the blessing.
Red equals luck, according to tradition. So, if a married person or elder gives you one, it’s like they’re handing you a printed “good luck for the year” coupon. I remember collecting these as a kid and feeling like a mini-millionaire, even if it was just ten dollars.
If you’re an adult, you’re usually the giver. But here’s a pro tip: never give an amount with a “four” in it (it sounds like the word for “death”). Stick to even numbers—eight is the best, as it sounds like “wealth.” It’s weirdly specific, but also oddly comforting, like following a recipe for good fortune.
