As Lunar New Year approaches in Hong Kong, the familiar exchange of red packets begins. For those who didn\u2019t grow up with the tradition, lai see etiquette can feel unclear at first. Here\u2019s a straightforward guide to understanding the meaning, timing and customs around giving and receiving lai see during Chinese New Year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2018Lai see\u2019 is the Cantonese term for the red envelopes filled with money that are exchanged during Lunar New Year. In Mandarin, they are known as hong bao<\/em>. The envelopes symbolise blessings, prosperity and good fortune for the year ahead rather than the monetary value inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Traditionally, lai see is given by those who are married or in a position of seniority to younger or unmarried recipients. Common examples include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The gesture reflects goodwill and respect within social and professional relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lai see is exchanged during the first 15 days of Lunar New Year, beginning on New Year\u2019s Day and ending with the Lantern Festival. It is customary to present the envelope the first time you see someone during this period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To keep this article evergreen for future years, avoid referencing specific calendar dates and simply update annually if needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Offering auspicious greetings alongside the envelope is part of the ritual. Common Cantonese phrases include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even a simple greeting delivered with warmth is appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The symbolism of goodwill matters more than the amount. However, certain practical guidelines are widely observed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Typical reference amounts in Hong Kong include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n These are cultural norms rather than strict rules, and personal circumstances should guide decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Photo by Angela Roma via Pexels.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" How much to give, who to give it to and why<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":58019,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1621],"tags":[1665,3173,4782,5158,5310,6142,6143,6991,7363],"class_list":["post-2955","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-whats-on","tag-chinese-new-year-hong-kong","tag-chinese-new-year-traditions-hong-kong","tag-how-much-inside-red-packet-hong-kong","tag-lai-see-hong-kong","tag-lunar-new-year-hong-kong","tag-red-packet-hong-kong","tag-red-packet-money-hong-kong","tag-traditions-hong-kong","tag-who-to-give-red-packet-hong-kong"],"yoast_head":"\nWho gives lai see?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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What should you say when giving lai see?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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