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What does lucky money mean, why is lucky money called lucky money?

VN (synthesis) January 28, 2025 06:04

Although always expecting to receive lucky money every Tet holiday, many people still do not know what lucky money means, why lucky money is called lucky money.

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Lucky money envelopes for Tet

Not only children but also adults like to receive lucky money during the Lunar New Year. Preparing for Tet, every family prepares many envelopes to hold lucky money. However, not everyone knows what lucky money means, why this word is used to talk about lucky money activities.

What does lucky money mean?

Lucky money is a transliteration of Chinese, the story about the origin of the custom of giving lucky money at the beginning of the year is also said to come from this country with a folk tale about a demon that often pats children's heads.

It is said that in the East Sea, there is a demon that threatens to harm the people. Normally, it is always guarded by the fairies in the lower world. However, every year, the fairies have to return to heaven at the time of New Year's Eve, and this is when the demon acts rampant. It often rubs the heads of sleeping children, causing them to startle and cry out. The next day, the child has a headache and a high fever, making the parents afraid to sleep and stay awake to keep watch.

Once, eight fairies passed by a house and saw a demon harassing children. They transformed into coins and laid beside the children, telling their parents to wrap them in red cloth to drive away the demon. Unexpectedly, this miracle was really effective. When the demon arrived, the shiny coins scared it and it ran away.

The couple happily told the story to everyone and they learned the above method to protect their children. Since then, every Tet holiday, people put money in red envelopes to give to children so that they will be healthy and grow up quickly. This action has become more and more popular and giving lucky money on Tet holiday has become a traditional custom.

But what do the two words "li xi" mean? This is the transliteration of the Chinese word "li thi", which means receiving benefits, fortune and luck. Lucky money is considered a gift that brings good things, fortune and happiness, especially for children at the beginning of the new year.

The meaning of the custom of giving lucky money on Tet holiday

The meaning of a lucky money envelope is not in its material value but in the heart and good wishes of the giver. Usually, lucky money is a small amount of money, put in a red envelope symbolizing luck and caution.

Whether the recipient is a child or an adult, receiving lucky money always brings joy, excitement, and a joyful atmosphere for Tet. This is not only a beautiful traditional cultural feature but also shows the connection, sharing and blessing in the community.

For Vietnamese people, giving lucky money on Tet holiday is one of the good customs passed down for many generations to send wishes of luck, peace and happiness in the first days of the new year.

According to custom, after New Year's Eve or on the morning of the first day of Tet, grandparents and parents often give lucky money to their children and grandchildren with good wishes. Adult children and grandchildren also give lucky money to their elderly parents and grandparents with wishes for health and longevity. Lucky money is also given when people visit and wish each other a happy new year with relatives, friends and neighbors.

When children come to wish them a happy new year, the host usually gives them lucky money in red envelopes with an irregular amount of money, depending on the circumstances and feelings. In return, guests also give lucky money to the host's children and grandchildren. Lucky money is usually an odd number, symbolizing abundance and sustainable development. Sometimes, gifts are given instead of lucky money.

Lucky money is not only an act of giving and receiving fortune and luck, but also shows love, respect and connection in the first days of spring.

VN (synthesis)
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    What does lucky money mean, why is lucky money called lucky money?