What Is Vietnamese Lucky Money?
Vietnamese lucky money, or “lì xì,” is a beloved tradition during Tet, the Lunar New Year in Vietnam. This practice involves giving small amounts of money, usually to children, in bright red envelopes. The red color symbolizes good fortune and protection, while the act of giving represents wishes for health, happiness, and prosperity in the coming year.
Although the custom centers on children, it is also extended to family members, close relatives, and sometimes employees and friends. Beyond Tet, red envelopes are occasionally used during weddings or other significant celebrations, but their meaning and importance are most deeply tied to the Lunar New Year.
The tradition of lì xì is deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture and folklore. Legend has it that red envelopes were originally used to protect children from an evil spirit known as Tuy, who would appear during the New Year to harm them. Families placed coins wrapped in red cloth under a child’s pillow to ward off the spirit. Over time, this evolved into the giving of red envelopes filled with money as a symbolic gesture of care and blessings.
Vietnamese Red Envelope
Vietnamese red envelopes, or “bao lì xì,” are an essential part of the Tet (Lunar New Year) celebration and other special occasions in Vietnam. These envelopes are more than just decorative carriers for money; they are imbued with cultural significance and symbolism. It’s considered improper to give lucky money without placing it in a red envelope, as the envelope itself is a key part of the tradition, symbolizing good fortune and respect.
Red envelopes are typically rectangular and vividly decorated in red and gold—the colors symbolizing luck, prosperity, and happiness in Vietnamese culture. They often feature intricate designs, such as calligraphy, images of zodiac animals, or traditional Tet motifs like apricot blossoms or kumquat trees.
In modern times, you’ll also find envelopes with fun, contemporary designs, such as cartoon characters, witty phrases, or minimalist patterns. They come in various sizes to accommodate different amounts of money, from small symbolic sums to more generous offerings.
Where to Buy Red Envelopes:
- Online Stores: For a modern twist or custom designs, online marketplaces like Shopee and Lazada offer a wide variety of red envelopes.
- Banks: During Tet, most banks give out complimentary red envelopes to customers, making it a convenient option.
- Tet Markets and Shops: In the lead-up to Tet, you’ll find a plethora of shops and markets selling Tet decorations, including red envelopes. These are often available in bundles and at very affordable prices.
Digital Alternatives
In modern Vietnam, especially among younger generations, digital lucky money is gaining popularity. Apps like ZaloPay or MoMo allow people to send virtual red envelopes, blending tradition with convenience.
Who gives and receives Vietnamese Lucky Money?
The tradition of giving lì xì has evolved over generations, but its heart remains the same: spreading blessings and well-wishes for the New Year. Here are the primary groups involved in the exchange:
1. Children: The Main Recipients
Children are the primary focus of the lucky money tradition. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other elders give them red envelopes as blessings for good health, success in school, and happiness. This gesture also carries the symbolic wish that the child will have a prosperous year.
2. Elderly: A Sign of Gratitude
Lucky money is also given to the elderly, often by their grown-up children or younger relatives. This practice is a way of expressing gratitude, care, and respect for their wisdom and presence in the family. For elderly recipients, the red envelope is less about the money inside and more about the sentiment behind the gesture.
3. Between Friends and Colleagues
In modern settings, friends and colleagues sometimes exchange red envelopes as a gesture of goodwill. Among friends, this might even take on a playful tone, with envelopes containing varying amounts, turning the exchange into a lighthearted lottery. In workplaces, bosses might distribute lucky money to employees to wish them success and good fortune in the coming year.
When to Give Vietnamese Lucky Money
The tradition of giving lucky money is most prominent during Tet, Vietnam’s Lunar New Year celebration. Timing is important, as the act of giving is tied to the symbolism of starting the year with good fortune and blessings.
New Year’s Eve and the First Day of Tet
Lucky money is typically given to immediate family members on New Year’s Eve or the first day of Tet. This includes children, parents, and grandparents who are present during the family’s celebrations. It is a way of wishing each other health, happiness, and prosperity for the year ahead.
Visiting Family and Friends After New Year’s Day
In the days following New Year’s Day, families traditionally visit relatives, friends, and neighbors. During these visits, lucky money is exchanged with children, unmarried individuals, and elderly relatives. This practice can continue up to the ninth or tenth day of Tet, depending on regional customs.
How much is typically given as Vietnamese lucky money?
Determining how much to give as Vietnamese lucky money can feel tricky, especially if you’re new to the tradition. The amount depends on several factors, including your relationship to the recipient, your financial situation, and cultural norms. Here’s a guide to help you navigate:
For Children
Children are the primary recipients of lucky money during Tet. The amount is usually modest and symbolic, as the gesture is more important than the value.
- Typical amount: 20,000 to 100,000 VND (approximately $1 to $5 USD) per envelope.
- Why this range? It’s a small but meaningful token meant to wish children happiness, health, and good luck in the coming year.
For Elderly Family Members
Giving lucky money to older relatives, such as parents and grandparents, is a sign of respect and gratitude. The amount is generally higher than for children.
- Typical amount: 200,000 to 1,000,000 VND (approximately $10 to $50 USD) or more, depending on your financial situation.
- Consideration: If you’re earning well, giving a higher amount can symbolize your ability to care for your elders.
For Extended Family and Close Friends
You might give lucky money to cousins, nieces, nephews, or close family friends. The amount is usually somewhere between what you’d give children and elderly relatives.
- Typical amount: 50,000 to 200,000 VND (approximately $2.50 to $10 USD).
- Context matters: The closer the relationship, the higher the amount you might give.
For Neighbors, Colleagues, and Acquaintances
It’s not uncommon to exchange lucky money in a broader social context, such as with colleagues or neighbors. These amounts are more tokenistic.
- Typical amount: 20,000 to 50,000 VND (approximately $1 to $2.50 USD).
- Optional: Some people may skip this practice entirely unless they have a particularly close relationship.
A Note on Affordability
If you’re on a budget, don’t worry—Vietnamese culture values the gesture more than the monetary amount. Giving from the heart with a sincere wish for luck and happiness is what truly matters.
Tips for giving Vietnamese Lucky Money
Prepare Your Money Early
In the days leading up to Tet, banks, ATMs, and other financial institutions are often closed, and ATMs may run out of cash. Make sure to withdraw money early to avoid scrambling for cash at the last minute.
Use Red Envelopes
Always place the money in a red envelope instead of handing it directly. Red envelopes symbolize luck, prosperity, and good fortune, making them an essential part of the tradition. These envelopes can be purchased at banks or Tet markets, where they are sold alongside festive decorations.
Present and Receive with Both Hands
When giving or receiving a red envelope, always use both hands as a sign of respect. This small gesture reflects the importance of the exchange and the wishes it conveys.
Avoid Unlucky Numbers
In Vietnamese culture, certain numbers are considered unlucky, such as the number 4, which sounds like “death” in Vietnamese. Stick to even amounts, which symbolize balance and harmony.
Give Crisp, New Bills
New bills are seen as a sign of respect and care. Wrinkled or torn money might be interpreted as thoughtless or disrespectful, so take the time to prepare fresh notes for your envelopes.
Accompany the Envelope with Well Wishes
When giving lucky money, it’s customary to offer heartfelt wishes such as “Chúc mừng năm mới” (Happy New Year) or “Sức khỏe và thành công” (Wishing you health and success). This adds a personal touch to the gesture.
Adjust for Context
If you’re visiting your Vietnamese in-laws or extended family, it’s a good idea to consult your partner or a family member about the expected amounts. Understanding local expectations can help you navigate the tradition gracefully.
Remember the Symbolism
The act of giving lucky money is more about the intention than the amount. Even a small, symbolic sum, when given with sincerity and respect, is deeply appreciated.
