Lucky Money in Red Envelopes For Chinese New Year

During the Chinese New Year, young people who greet their elders with a happy and abundant new year are handed lucky red envelopes by the elders. These envelopes are really good luck for a youngster because these have money inside. The lucky red envelopes are called "hong bao" in Mandarin, or "lai see" in Cantonese.

Symbolism of the Lucky Envelope

Giving money during Chinese New Year is considered lucky for both the giver and the receiver. Those who give will also invite the flow of money in during the entire year. Giving these envelopes also symbolize that the family luck is also passed on to the children and the unmarried teens/ adults.

Red as usual is the luckiest color, as it symbolizes life, so it's appropriate that Chinese New Year items are colored red. Hong paos have assorted designs, such as that of happy children, Chinese characters for abundance and greetings, animals of the zodiac, etc. The Chinese word for red ("hong") also sound like "plenty". Thus it is believed that money wrapped in red will make money multiply.

The money inside the hong bao is called Ya Sui Qian. Ya mean suppress; Sui sounds somehow like evil spirit. Qian means money. Therefore, Ya Sui Qian means money that can suppress evil spirits. It is believed that this lucky money can also help kids be safe and healthy for the year.

Giving the Hong Bao/ Lai See

Money in even amounts, except for 4, is considered lucky. 4 is not a good amount to put into the lucky envelopes because the Chinese word for "four" sounds similar to the sound of "death". A good way to gauge the amount to put into a hong bao is roughly the same amount as a candy bar. An adult can give 1 envelope, while married couples usually give 2 envelopes. It is said that in some parts of China, only mothers give away the hong bao.

The young people accept these lucky envelopes graciously on Chinese New Year with a sincere thank you (that's "xie xie" in Mandarin or "doi jeh" in Cantonese.) They often give thanks while kneel-bowing 3 times.

For good manners sake, the hong bao should not be opened in the presence of the giver. The receiver may only do so after leaving the giver.

The lucky money inside the hong bao is recommended to be kept and not spent immediately. Young people are encouraged to save their money. And besides, it is believed that this money brings luck and wellness so might as well keep it.

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Traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Chinese New Year. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Chinese new year parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Chinese new year parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

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Red Roses

Red roses signify love and beauty the world over. Poets write about them, writers write prose about them, and people express love by giving each other red roses. Though many people believe that red roses can only be a symbol of romantic love, there are almost as many who strongly feel that red roses can be given to any loved one. They could be given to a sibling, a parent, a friend, a family who has just moved into the neighborhood and needs to be welcomed with affection, and of course, a lover. A bride can carry them on her wedding day or by a soul mate on Valentine's Day.

Sometimes, people find it difficult to choose between a red rose, a red rose bouquet, long stem red roses and dark red roses. They wonder about what can be called 'rose etiquette'. These are unwritten 'rose norms' that traditionalists like to follow. According to these, single roses are meant to express liking, rather than love, bouquets speak volumes about love, long stem roses are for those who have a marked style and exude elegance, and dark red roses express the language of passion and longing.

Many people also wonder why the magic of the red rose surpasses those of other flowers, if at all it does. They wonder why several people who set out to buy other flowers end up buying red roses. The answer lies in the universal appeal of the red rose that stands out because of its remarkable beauty and character even in a crowd of lovely lilies, merry carnations, cute tulips, pretty orchids and attractive roses of all colors other than red. The red rose is enchanting, mesmerizing and enigmatic.

It is no surprise, therefore, that no matter where it is placed, and in what kind of vase it is decorated, it announces its presence with panache. It is virtually impossible to miss a red rose in an office, a mall, a home, and a hotel, in the hands of a bride or pinned to the lapel of a statesman. If a lady crossed a busy street with even a single rose in her hand on Valentine's Day, heads turn to notice.

In fact, the timeless symbolism of the red rose is the reason behind its presence on greeting cards for all kinds of occasions. The red rose brings people closer and takes the expression of liking, love, elegance and passion to a level that transcends language.

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How to Choose Roses For Your Friend

You can turn friendship into love when you shop for a Valentines Day flower delivery for your friend online. If you want to tell a friend that you feel a little more for her than just friendship, you can do so by saying it with roses. Roses are the most popular valentine flower to send on Valentines Day and your friend will get the meaning of this gesture when you arrange for a flower delivery.

Many times, people are friends with someone but would like the relationship to progress to a romance. This is often a natural step between people as true love often stems from friendship. If you have a friend for whom you have romantic feelings, the best way to tell them is with flowers.

You can include a card with your flower delivery so that he or she knows that the flowers were from you and on this card you can tell your friend how you feel. This is often easier for you to do with a flower delivery than in person as it can be awkward if your friend does not reciprocate your feelings.

On the other hand, your friend may be waiting for you to make such a move as this and will be so happy that you sent them flowers to tell them how much you care. Do not be surprised to get a phone call from your friend after the flower delivery of your roses.

Roses are the best flower to send for a friend on Valentines Day as they are not only steeped in tradition, but also are plentiful around this holiday. You can choose from several different colors. Yellow roses symbolize friendship and red roses symbolize love. You can choose the perfect flower bouquet for your friend by choosing one that is comprised of both red and yellow roses.

When you shop for a Valentines Day flower delivery online, you can choose your own bouquet of flowers and have them sent to your friend at their home or place of business. You can personalize the card for the flowers and say how you feel. You can even get a deal on the flower delivery when you shop online. Best of all, you do not even have to leave the house to get what you want - you can place your order for a valentine flower delivery to your friend on Valentines Day right online in the comfort of your own home or office.

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