In the month, as we enter the Year of the Tiger, we thought it would be interesting to explore the significance of custom red packets Singapore. Red envelopes are often associated with Chinese New Year, but they can also be presented at other times of the year. There is also a precise protocol for presenting and receiving presents.
The giving of red envelopes to employees as customized gifts Singapore during Chinese New Year is a popular choice among businesses.
Why do red envelopes exist?
Giving relatives, friends, and coworkers red envelopes—small red and gold packages with money inside—means good luck. Instead of the amount of money found within, the red envelope itself brings good fortune.
Chinese folklore claims that the demon Sui would visit on New Year's Eve and harm children. Before the invention of red packets, eight pennies were commonly tied together with red ribbon and tucked under children's pillows before bed. The Chinese called this Ysuqián, which translates to suppressing ghost money, and it was believed to keep off the evil spirit as kids slept.
The hongbao's color, which is crimson with a gold accent, denotes luck, happiness, and wealth for the next year – widely available with the best corporate gifts suppliers Singapore.
Etiquette of giving/receiving red envelopes:
It's crucial to hold onto the hongbao with both hands and avoid opening it in front of the giver. Wait until you get home to open the envelope and show how much money is inside. Instead, thank the person who gave it to you and give them a welcome.
When making hongbao to distribute, make an effort to utilize crisp, fresh notes wherever feasible. Try to avoid giving coins as gifts, but if you must, make sure they are spotless.
It is customary in Chinese culture to start giving younger members of your family red envelope gifts for Chinese New Year as soon as you start earning money. It's not usually anticipated that single people start the custom of gifting red envelopes before getting married.
While there are no specific guidelines for how much money should go inside each red envelope, custom indicates that the more money you give, the closer you are to the recipient.
How did red envelopes come to be?
Today, red envelopes come in many forms and sizes and are frequently embellished with lucky symbols and Chinese characters. Even red envelopes with your company's emblem on them are available.
Nowadays, sending hongbao via social media platforms is commonplace. Massive efforts have been made in recent years by social media behemoths to improve the digital hongbao offering, including the addition of animation or a sender-taken photo. It has become a popular way for individuals in China to send red envelopes due to the recent visitation limitations imposed by COVID 19.
Despite the practicality and creativity of digital hongbao, many people believe that sending and receiving genuine ones is more meaningful and personal.
In the run-up to the holiday, businesses frequently hold digital hongbao competitions for their staff to earn cash prizes, with a leaderboard displaying the winners after the event.
Where else we can use Red Packets?
Weddings:
It's customary to give the newlyweds a red envelope if you've been invited to a Chinese friend's wedding. Normally, hongbao for weddings would be stamped with an x, signifying double happiness.
Birth of a kid:
Hongbao are given as gifts when a friend or family member has a child to wish the parents and newborn good health and fortune.
Graduations:
When you graduate, your parents, grandparents, and other family members send you a red envelope to wish you luck as you enter the workforce.
