The custom of giving lucky money on Tet is a unique cultural feature of Vietnamese people for many generations. On the first day of Tet, family members will gather to burn incense for their ancestors, happily wish the New Year and give each other red envelopes to receive good fortune at the beginning of the year. So do you know the origin and meaning of this custom of giving lucky money on Tet? Let's find out with the article below.
Origin of the custom of giving lucky money on Tet
The custom of giving lucky money on Tet has existed since ancient times, originating from China. Legend has it that there is a monster that appears on New Year's Eve and likes to pat the heads of sleeping children, causing them to have high fevers or become silly. Therefore, families with young children have to stay up all night to guard against monsters from disturbing and harming their children.
One Tet holiday, 8 fairies passing by knew what was happening and immediately turned into gold coins. Their parents wrap these coins in red cloth and place them next to their pillows to ward off demons. When the monsters came, the coins flashed, making them scared and running away.
This story quickly spread throughout the world. From then on, every Tet holiday, people put money into red bags to give to children. Gradually this action became a habit and is maintained until today. And people call it the custom of giving lucky money on Tet or celebrating the beginning of the new year.
Meaning of lucky money custom on Tet holiday
The custom of giving lucky money on Tet means wishing for good luck and good things in the first days of the new year. Lucky money is not limited to the first day of the Lunar New Year but can extend to the 2nd, 3rd, and even 10th day of the Lunar New Year.
During the Tet holiday, children eagerly receive red envelopes from adults. Children and grandchildren wish their grandparents, parents, or friends and close relatives a happy new year for each other. Guests who come to celebrate the New Year and have young children and grandchildren with them often receive lucky money from the host, and guests will also congratulate the host's young children and grandchildren in return.
Lucky envelopes are not only beautiful but also have many profound meanings. Envelopes symbolize confidentiality, no comparison. Red symbolizes hope, luck, auspiciousness, and prosperity. People believe that these lucky money envelopes will bring happiness and fortune for the new year.
Lucky money is placed in a red envelope, usually in an odd number, implying that the money will be left over forever. The amount of money, no matter how big or small, is considered a spiritual gift at the beginning of the year, representing a prosperous new year. Tet lucky money also represents the best message that the giver wants to convey to the recipient. Furthermore, this custom of giving lucky money on Tet helps bond people's feelings together, hoping for a warm, lucky and peaceful new year.
Although the old and new ways of celebrating Tet have changed a lot. But the custom of giving lucky money on Tet is still an indispensable cultural beauty of Vietnamese people. Don't forget to follow Mykingdom's " Handbook " section for more useful information for parents!
