Make a Red Envelope

The red envelope is a monetary gift which is given in many Asian societies. During Lunar New Year, a hóng bao (lai si in Cantonese) is given by the grown-ups and elders to children and younger relatives to wish them good luck, peace and prosperity.

Red envelopes are also often given on wedding days and birthdays. In Vietnam, red envelopes are called lì xi. In Japan, a monetary gift, called otoshidama, is given to children by their relatives during the New Year period. A white envelope, however, is used instead in Japan and Korea. In Korea, the gift is bestowed after the younger people have performed a formal bow called se-bae to their elders as a sign of respect. In Malaysia, money is given in green packets.

download our pdf page with printed lines and instructions

Instructions:

1. Cut a letter-size page into a square.
2. Fold each corner in numbered order on the lines.
3. Use stickers or tape to create a pocket.
4. Decorate the outside with your own designs.
5. Insert a few coins (8 of something is considered lucky).
6. Close the envelope by folding the last flap and seal with a sticker.

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