Tag Archives: red envelope
Gift Giving in China Posted by sasha on Dec 19, 2014
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been asked on numerous occasions by my students about the culture of giving gifts when it comes to Christmas: “Who do you give gifts to?” “Which gifts are the most common in your family?” “How much should you spend on a gift?” This got me thinking about the differences…
Very Superstitious Posted by sasha on Feb 18, 2012
Every culture has its own unique superstitions (迷信 – mí xìn), and China is no different. Chinese culture is rich in beliefs, customs, and superstitions that vary greatly from those in the West. Let’s take a look at some of these, and how they will bring you either good luck or bad luck. Numbers In…
Red Envelopes 红包 (hóng bāo) Posted by Stephen on Feb 4, 2011
The Red Envelope or 红包 (hóng bāo) is a monetary gift which is given during holidays or special occasions, especially during the Lunar New Year and Spring Festival. The red color of the envelope symbolizes good luck and is supposed to ward off evil spirits. During the Lunar New Year, red envelopes are typically given…