The Chinese language zodiac has 12 animals, which take turns exerting affect over annually, at all times in the identical order. The snake holds sixth place within the cycle—the others, so as, are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, horse, sheep, cash, rooster, canine and pig. (In Vietnam, individuals rejoice the cat as a substitute of the rabbit, and the buffalo as a substitute of the ox.)
In 2025, Chinese language New Yr—celebrated extra broadly throughout East Asian and Southeast Asian communities as Lunar New Yr—falls on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 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 youngsters and, in some locations, seniors within the first two weeks of the Lunar New Yr, up till the primary full moon, a day referred to as the Spring Competition or Lantern Competition (in 2025, Feb. 12).
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 lai see to youthful relations and buddies’ youngsters, for instance. Individuals typically give fortunate cash to their service suppliers. My dad and mom carry crimson envelopes for the servers at their common dim sum spot.
How a lot cash are we speaking about?
Earlier than I received married, I acquired $5 or $10 from every relative and $20 from every mum or dad for Chinese language New Yr. Typically, the nearer your relationship is to the recipient, the extra fortunate cash you give. The quantity is much less vital than the spirit by which the present is given—in Chinese language tradition, the color crimson symbolizes happiness and good luck.
Fortunate cash can be given on particular events like birthdays, weddings, graduations and the delivery of a child. And the envelopes aren’t at all times crimson—you’ll find every part from cartoony rainbow variations to fashionable gold ones. Canada’s huge banks typically give out packs of branded envelopes when prospects choose up crisp new payments for Lunar New Yr (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 Yr?
When visiting relations, many Chinese language households carry conventional new yr’s sweets and snacks. Oranges, clementines, pomelos and kumquats are additionally common items—they symbolize abundance, happiness and luck.
Lunar New Yr has turn out to be extremely commercialized, even in international locations outdoors of Asia. My inbox is filled with emails from life-style and luxurious manufacturers selling Yr of the Snake merchandise—every part from purses and jewelry to beauty kits and Lego units, and everybody from Joe Recent to Swarovski is in on the motion. Dyson is even making Lunar New Yr–themed hairstyling instruments, clad in crimson and gold.
