Everything You Need to Know About Chinese New Year Red Packets: Do’s and Don’ts

Chinese New Year is one of the most important traditional celebrations in Chinese culture. Among the many customs associated with this festive season, red packets known as hongbao (红包) are perhaps the most iconic. These red envelopes, filled with money and good wishes, symbolise luck, prosperity, and blessings for the year ahead.

While giving red packets may seem simple, there are many cultural nuances, unspoken rules, and etiquette considerations behind this tradition. Understanding the do’s and don’ts of Chinese New Year red packets is especially important in professional, cross-cultural, or corporate settings, where a small mistake can unintentionally send the wrong message.

This guide covers everything you need to know from the origins and symbolism of red packets to proper etiquette, common mistakes, and modern adaptations.

The Meaning and Origins of Red Packets

The tradition of giving red packets dates back centuries. Historically, coins were threaded together with red string and given to children to ward off evil spirits. Over time, this practice evolved into placing money inside red envelopes, with the colour red symbolising happiness, good fortune, and protection against bad luck.

At its core, giving a red packet is not about the monetary value, but about sharing blessings and positive intentions. The act represents goodwill, respect, and hopes for a prosperous new year.

Who Gives and Who Receives Red Packets?

Traditionally, red packets are given by:

• Married adults to unmarried children or younger family members
• Parents and grandparents to children
• Employers to employees
• Elders to juniors

Recipients commonly include:

• Children and teenagers
• Unmarried adults
• Employees and subordinates

In modern settings, especially in workplaces, red packets have expanded beyond family ties and are often used as a gesture of appreciation, motivation, and festive goodwill.

How Much Money Should You Put Inside?

One of the most common questions about red packets is how much money is appropriate. While there is no universal amount, there are important guidelines to follow.

Do: Choose Auspicious Numbers

Even numbers are preferred, as odd numbers are associated with funerals. Numbers like 6, 8, and 9 are considered lucky:

• 6 symbolises smoothness
• 8 represents wealth and prosperity
• 9 signifies longevity

For example, amounts like 8, 18, 28, 88, or 168 are commonly used but try to avoid coins.

Don’t: Use Unlucky Numbers

Avoid amounts that include the number 4, as its pronunciation sounds like “death” in Chinese. Amounts such as 40 or 14 are considered highly inauspicious.

Do’s of Giving Chinese New Year Red Packets

1. Use Red Envelopes Only

Red is essential. Never use white, black, or blue envelopes, as these colors are associated with mourning or funerals.

2. Put in Clean, Crisp Bills

New or clean notes show respect and care. Crumpled, torn, or dirty bills are seen as disrespectful and careless.

3. Give with Both Hands

When presenting a red packet, always use both hands as a sign of respect. Likewise, recipients should receive it with both hands.

4. Include a Verbal Blessing

Red packets are usually accompanied by auspicious phrases such as:

• “Gong Xi Fa Cai” (Wishing you prosperity)
• “Xin Nian Kuai Le” (Happy New Year)
• “Wan Shi Ru Yi” (May everything go as you wish)

The words are just as important as the envelope itself.

5. Match the Amount to the Relationship

Closer relationships usually warrant higher amounts. Employers, for example, often give standardized amounts to staff to ensure fairness and avoid discomfort.

Don’ts of Giving Red Packets

1. Don’t Give Empty Red Packets

Even a symbolic amount is better than none. An empty red packet is considered extremely unlucky and inappropriate.

2. Don’t Open Red Packets Immediately

Recipients should never open red packets in front of the giver unless invited to do so. Opening it right away may appear greedy or impolite.

3. Don’t Joke About the Amount

Even lighthearted jokes about how “little” or “much” is inside can come across as insensitive. Red packets are about blessings, not judgment.

4. Don’t Reuse Old or Damaged Envelopes

Using faded or previously used envelopes suggests a lack of sincerity. Always use fresh red packets for the new year.

5. Don’t Make It Transactional

Red packets should never feel like a bribe or obligation. In corporate settings, they should be positioned as festive tokens rather than performance-based rewards.

Red Packets in the Workplace and Corporate Culture

In modern companies, especially across Asia, red packets have become an important part of Chinese New Year workplace culture. Employers often give red packets to:

• Celebrate the new year
• Thank employees for their hard work
• Boost morale and unity
• Encourage a positive start after the holiday

Some companies distribute red packets during annual dinners, kick-off meetings, or festive gatherings. Others combine red packet giving with cultural activities such as lion dances, calligraphy workshops, or team-building games.

When handled thoughtfully, red packets can strengthen employer-employee relationships and show cultural awareness, especially in multinational organisations.

Digital Red Packets: A Modern Twist

With the rise of technology, digital red packets via platforms like WeChat and Alipay have become extremely popular. They allow users to send money instantly, sometimes with random amounts to add excitement and fun.

While digital red packets are convenient and engaging, they may lack the ceremonial warmth of physical envelopes, particularly in formal or corporate environments. Many organisations still prefer traditional red packets for official events while using digital versions for casual interactions.

Embracing the Joy of Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year red packets are more than envelopes of money, they are a powerful cultural symbol of goodwill, respect, and shared celebration. Understanding their do’s and don’ts ensures that this meaningful tradition is practiced with sincerity and cultural sensitivity, especially in professional and corporate environments.

If you are looking to celebrate Chinese New Year in a meaningful and engaging way, Dear Asia London provides fully customised Chinese New Year celebrations and cultural workshops for groups and companies. From cultural learning and festive team-building activities to crafting experiences, Dear Asia London help organisations honour tradition while strengthening employee connection and cross-cultural understanding.