Friday February 5th, 2021

Chinese New Year is the much anticipated holiday of all Chinese people because it is so joyful and always full of hope and optimism. But the new year holds a much greater meaning in Chinese culture than many may think. It is genuinely about getting together to share a home cooked meal together and to celebrate familial ties.

 

Expected Traditions

One of the fun parts of CNY is the giving and receiving of lai see which roughly translates to “Lai lai see see” (everything going smoothly). The long lines at the bank for new bank notes are the tell tale sign that the holiday is coming because it is ever so important to traditionalists to give new notes, crisp and ready as a symbol of “newness” and “liveliness”. As is often said, “Tsui gau, hui sun” (out with the old and in with the new). So if you have been eyeing a new pair of shoes or wardrobe complement, this is the perfect excuse to go shopping as it is considered “lucky” to do so.

To a westerner who may find it funny to give money, the value is not necessarily the point. To a traditionalist aunty, uncle and mom and dad, it is really fun “to give” because they are actually gifting upon you love, wealth and happiness. For the recipient, it is equally fun to receive, because it’s not about how much you receive but the thought bestowed with the Lai See. Even as an adult, the exchange of lucky money is a flurry of laughter, good wishes and hugs and one that brings a lot of happiness after a big Chinese dinner. The lucky money is also a formal way to say thank you to those who take care of you in small ways all year round: your staff, helper, teacher or door person. After all, who doesn’t want a little luck sprinkled upon them? We can certainly use it after the year that was 2020. 

Standard Gifting Amounts

. Doorperson, aunties – $20 to $50

. Teachers, nannies – $100 to $300

. Families and relatives like babies, children, nieces and nephews – $100 to $5000

It’s not a must, but it’s also really nice to give “double lai see” as it symbolizes a pair and is seen as double the luck. So if you are gifting $100, try to place $50 in each envelope and gift them together. It is also noteworthy to mention that you should give lai sees with “$40” as the the number 4 sounds like the word for death in Chinese and is bad luck. Round it up to $30 or $50 instead.

So where to buy your lai see envelopes? Once CNY comes around, you will see pop-up envelope shops everywhere with racks of colours and choices. Red and gold are the classic colors, however some younger people like to gift with different hues for fun. These shops will also have envelopes with common surnames like “Chan” or “Tang” on them so that giftees know who gave them the lai see. Traditionalists and some companies will even print their own and hand out envelopes for free. 

 

Accepting Lai Sees

Be gracious in accepting presents and lai see envelopes no matter your age. If you are a full grown person and single, expect to be unexpectedly gifted. Accept it happily because luck is being sprinkled upon you. The norm is that only married couples hand out lai see, however singles are welcome to gift their door person or other acquaintances as a kind gesture. 

It’s really important to reply with greetings like  “Gung hei fat choi” (good fortune to you) or “Yut leen bei yut leen leung” (wishing you greater beauty each year”). Practise these ahead of time. To express your gratitude and partake in this fun ritual,  clasp your hands together in front of your chest and shake them up and down gently while you say your newly learned Chinese New Year greetings. Saying two greetings concurrently will surely impress your local friends.  

New Gifting

For the modernist, the classic gifts remain a good bottle of wine (HK Butler), tea, chocolates and other sweets along with fruit. Keeping in mind the elements of what is sweet (Tian tian muk muk in Chinese) and expressing longevity, a good wine is both meaningful and utilitarian. For those who don’t drink, a quality cup of tea is universally beautiful and welcome, whether good quality Chinese tea (Yuan Yuan Tang has a great selection) or Western tea presented with warm red and gold hues. Another classic if you are not familiar with your host is a basket full of goodies with a mix of treats. In Chinese culture, a basket is considered an opulent gift and that you think exceptionally well of your friend or colleague. Symbolically, a round golden orange or mandarins are lucky while apples are phonetically the character for “peace” and “harmony” and thus a welcome gift. If you are social distancing and cannot be together, send something distinctive and fresh like fish and abalone (Chinese favourite foods) for your friend to collect or have delivered (Meat the Sea), they will love your thoughtful sentiment. Surprise your host with your knowledge that “yue” and “bao yue” express “fruitful surplus and wealth”.

As we near this cheerful holiday, remember that elders or married couples normally bestow lucky money, but as with all holidays, it is just a nice reason for anyone to send a  gift to a loved one or a colleague as a brief hello, thank you or hug, as we all wave good-bye to the challenges of 2020 once more.

All of these lovely gifts can be sent from most countries to Hong Kong friends for collection or delivery. You can download the Prezitt app for free here.