The Chinese language zodiac has 12 animals, which take turns exerting affect over every year, all the time in the identical order. The dragon, which holds fifth place within the cycle, is the one fictitious animal—the others, so as, are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, snake, horse, sheep, cash, rooster, canine and pig. (In Vietnam, folks rejoice the cat as an alternative of the rabbit, and the buffalo as an alternative of the ox.)
In 2024, Chinese language New 12 months—celebrated extra extensively throughout East Asian and Southeast Asian communities as Lunar New 12 months—falls on Saturday, Feb. 10, kicking off two weeks of household gatherings, elaborate feasts, and the giving and receiving of “fortunate cash” in little crimson envelopes.
When is fortunate cash given?
Fortunate cash envelopes—referred to as lai see in Cantonese and hong bao in Mandarin—are given to kids and, in some locations, seniors within the first two weeks of the Lunar New 12 months, up till the primary full moon, a day referred to as the Spring Competition or Chinese language Lantern Competition (Feb. 24).
Sometimes, when you get married, it’s your flip handy out envelopes, and also you’ll obtain fewer your self. There are not any arduous and quick guidelines, although—single adults may additionally give and obtain lai see to youthful kinfolk and pals’ kids, for instance. Folks usually give fortunate cash to their service suppliers. My mother and father, for instance, carry crimson envelopes for the servers at their common dim sum spot.
How a lot cash are we speaking about?
Earlier than I acquired married, I acquired $5 or $10 from every relative and $20 from every father or mother for Chinese language New 12 months. Usually, the nearer your relationship is to the recipient, the extra fortunate cash you give. The quantity is much less essential than the spirit during which the present is given—in Chinese language tradition, the color crimson symbolizes happiness and good luck.
Fortunate cash can also be given on particular events like birthdays, weddings, graduations and the beginning of a child. And the envelopes aren’t all the time crimson—yow will discover the whole lot from cartoony rainbow variations to trendy gold ones. Canada’s large banks usually give out packs of branded envelopes when prospects decide up crisp new payments for Lunar New 12 months (giving previous, wrinkly money is taken into account poor etiquette). And in Asia, you’ll be able to ship digital “crimson packets” by way of WeChat, AliPay, Tencent QQ and different monetary platforms.
What else to present for Chinese language New 12 months?
When visiting kinfolk, many Chinese language households carry conventional new yr’s sweets and snacks. Oranges, clementines, pomelos and kumquats are additionally common presents—they symbolize abundance, happiness and success.
Lunar New 12 months has develop into extremely commercialized, even in international locations outdoors of Asia. My inbox is filled with emails from life-style and luxurious manufacturers selling 12 months of the Dragon merchandise—the whole lot from purses and jewelry to beauty kits and Lego units, and everybody from Walmart to Swarovski is in on the motion. Deal with your self or a buddy if you happen to like, however don’t really feel pressured to purchase something. In my household’s expertise, new yr’s presents aren’t a part of the custom.
