9 Secrets of Vietnamese Envelopes - All you need to know about "Li Xi"

Have you ever wondered why giving red envelopes is such a cherished tradition during Vietnam’s Lunar New Year? It’s more than just red envelopes and lucky money - li xi symbolizes blessings, prosperity, and love across generations. But how much should you give? Which numbers bring luck, and what should you avoid to respect this custom? Curious about the dos and don’ts of lì xì and how it connects families during Tết? Let’s uncover the secrets behind this meaningful tradition.

Written by Trang Nguyen (Local Expert) Updated on 04-12-2024

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1. Lunar New Year & the tradition red envelopes in Vietnam

• What is Lunar New Year in Vietnam?

Tết in Vietnam is similar to New Year's Eve in other countries, but follows the lunar calendar. The Lunar New Year, or Tết Nguyên Đán, marks the start of the lunar calendar and is the most anticipated festival in Vietnam. It is a time for family reunions, paying respects to ancestors, and welcoming the new year with hope.

• What is Lucky Money?

"Lucky money," or "lì xì," is a cherished tradition during Lunar New Year, where red envelopes containing money are given as blessings for health, happiness, and success. It is an especially joyful experience for children, who eagerly await receiving these bright red envelopes from adults during Tết celebrations.

More than the money itself, the red envelope symbolizes goodwill and positive intentions, representing the passing of luck and blessings. Along with the "cây nêu" (bamboo pole), firecrackers, and bánh chưng (square rice cakes), "lì xì" is an essential part of Vietnam's traditional Tết, ensuring a year filled with peace, joy, and prosperity.

• What Does "Lì Xì" Mean?

"Lì xì" comes from the Chinese term "lợi thị," (利是) meaning benefit, money, or luck. It’s a cherished tradition during the Lunar New Year in Vietnam, especially loved by children. The red envelopes, filled with lucky money, symbolize blessings of good fortune, prosperity, and hope for a wonderful year ahead.

Yet, the true magic of "lì xì" lies beyond the money. It is the love, the well-wishes, and the warmth of family that make these envelopes so meaningful. 

In recent times, it's become more common to use new, crisp bills, which symbolize freshness, new beginnings, and a break from the past. There is a beautiful sentiment behind giving new bills - it's like offering someone the chance to start afresh, filled with all the good things that come with a new beginning. 

2. Why are red envelopes in Vietnamese culture?

• The Spiritual and Cultural History of Red Envelopes

The tradition of giving "lì xì" has deep roots that trace back to ancient China, surrounded by stories of love and protection. According to a beloved legend, an elderly couple was blessed with a child late in life, and during one particular Tết, eight immortals learned that the child would face a fearsome monster. Wanting to protect the child, they transformed into eight copper coins and were wrapped in red paper and placed beside the child’s pillow.

When the monster came in the night, the coins began to glow brightly, scaring it away. From that moment on, "lì xì" became a symbol of protection - of parents, grandparents, and elders protecting the younger generation. It carries the love that family members feel for each other, becoming a blessing of safety, health, and happiness.

In ancient Vietnam, during the Lunar New Year, kings would gift red envelopes (lì xì) to ministers and royal family members. These gifts, including money and valuable items, were given based on rank and contributions. The Nguyen Dynasty's New Year's feasts included luxurious dishes such as deer tendon, roasted duck, abalone, sea cucumber, and various meats. 

3. The role of money in Lì Xì

Money in red envelopes, especially during Tết, symbolizes more than just wealth. It is seen as an auspicious start to the new year, bringing good fortune to both the giver and receiver.

The act of giving is meant to spread blessings, which is why the amount given is less important than the intention behind it. Lucky money is typically given in even amounts, symbolizing the hope for ongoing prosperity. While lì xì can be given as money or gifts, the presentation is crucial, as Vietnamese appreciate the beauty during Tết.

Types of red envelopes

• Traditional envelopes:
  Dominated by red designs featuring motifs like apricot blossoms, peach blossoms, or corporate logos and slogans, symbolizing luck and prosperity. Traditional Vietnamese red envelopes (bao lì xì) are often adorned with calligraphy, beautifully showcasing the art of Vietnamese Calligraphy, and when paired with such intricate designs, they become truly stunning.
  Learn more about this art form in: Vietnamese calligraphy

• Cartoon character envelopes for kids:
  Adorned with beloved characters like Doraemon, Minions, and Hello Kitty, making them especially popular with children. If you want to explore and buy red envelopes, head to Hang Ma Street in Hanoi or Chinatown Market in Ho Chi Minh City to discover a wide array of Tet decorations, including vibrant red envelopes and more. (Read more: Hanoi's Old Quarter: All you need to explore)

• Handmade envelopes:
  Crafted from kraft paper with hand-drawn or decorated designs, perfect for giving loved ones a unique, personalized touch.

Good to know: In Singapore, lì xì envelopes often include modern gifts like vouchers, bus tickets, or travel passes alongside cash. 

While red is traditional, Japan uses white envelopes (Otoshidama) with intricate patterns and the recipient’s name. In Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, and Singapore, Malay Muslims give green lì xì during Eid al-Fitr, blending tradition with cultural significance.

4. Who receives lucky money and how are they given?

While commonly associated with children, lucky money carries profound meaning that spans across generations.

• For Children and Teenagers

Older family members lovingly give red envelopes to children and teenagers, offering blessings for growth, academic success, and happiness in the year ahead. Though the amount inside is often modest, its value lies in the encouragement and good fortune it symbolizes. 

For children, receiving lucky money is a moment of pure joy, a reminder that they are cherished and supported as they step into a new year.

• From Younger Generations to Elders

The tradition doesn’t stop with children. Grown-up children and younger family members also give red envelopes to their parents and grandparents. This gesture is a deeply meaningful way to express respect, gratitude, and care for the health and well-being of the family’s elders. 

For grandparents and parents, receiving lì xì from their children is a source of pride and happiness, a reflection of the love and stability their family brings.

Historically, lucky money was a rare treasure, a morale boost for children during difficult times. Today, while material conditions have improved, the joy of giving and receiving lì xì endures. Many families teach children to treasure their lì xì - whether saving it for future goals, sharing it with their parents for practical needs, or donating it to help others in need.

>>>> Celebrate Tet in Vietnam with us now! 🌸🏯

5. When is "Lì Xì" given during Tết?

The morning of the first day of Tết is a deeply meaningful time when families gather to celebrate, welcome the new year, and exchange beautifully adorned red envelopes filled with heartfelt wishes.

Following Vietnamese customs, families often share a festive meal and exchange warm wishes in the morning before visiting relatives and friends to extend New Year greetings.

But Li xi is not limited to the first day of Tết; it can be given throughout the first three days and sometimes extends to the ninth or tenth day of the holiday. Friends and close acquaintances also exchange lì xì as a gesture of goodwill. When relatives or friends’ children visit, the hosts usually give lì xì to the kids, with the amount depending on circumstances. Similarly, guests also give lì xì to the hosts’ children.

6. How much money to give?

The money given in red envelopes can vary in value, but it usually involves small denominations that symbolize good luck rather than wealth. 

It is common to use new, crisp bills, as they represent a fresh start. The amounts are often chosen based on lucky numbers, avoiding those with negative connotations, such as the number four, which is a bad number to Vietnamese.

Typically, the amount of money depends on the relationship between the giver and the recipient. The key is the intention behind the gift - symbolizing good fortune and prosperity, rather than the actual amount. 

In general, modest amounts such as 20,000 VND, 50,000 VND ($1-$2), or more substantial sums like 100,000 VND to 500,000 VND ($5-$20) are given, depending on the giver’s circumstances. And for newcomers or tourists, simple and symbolic amounts, such as 50,000 - 100,000 VND, are ideal. 

Good to know: In recent years, online lucky money has become a popular trend, especially among the younger generation. This modern approach allows people to share New Year blessings through bank transfers or e-wallets, making the tradition accessible even from afar.

Specific numbers, like 6, 8, and 9, are favored for lucky money, especially online, as they symbolize good fortune. Amounts such as 66, 88, 666, or 888 reflect cultural beliefs and convey well-wishes for the Lunar New Year.

7. Wishes to say when receiving/giving "Lì Xì"

“Greetings are more valuable than a feast,” which highlights the importance of exchanging well-wishes in Vietnamese culture. When visiting a Vietnamese family, it is customary to greet and wish health and happiness to everyone, starting with the elders and moving to younger members.

When receiving lì xì, it is important to thank the giver and offer a kind wish in return. You should accept with both hands, thank the giver, and wish them well. It’s a simple but significant gesture that shows respect for the tradition.

Here are some common phrases include:

• “Chúc ông bà sống lâu trăm tuổi!” (Wishing grandparents a long and healthy life!)
  Chook ohng bah soong low chum two-ee!
• “Chúc cô chú mạnh khỏe, phát tài!” (Wishing aunts and uncles good health and prosperity!)
  Chook go choo man kwair faht tie!
• “Chúc mừng năm mới!” (Happy New Year!)
  Chook moong nahm moy!

As an expat in Vietnam, participating in lì xì can be a meaningful way to embrace local culture. If you are giving lì xì, it’s essential to use red envelopes, give small amounts of crisp new bills, and do so with a smile and kind wishes. 

>>>> A 2-Week Family Adventure to Celebrate Tet in Vietnam 🏮👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

8. Things not to do when giving and receiving Lì Xì

• Avoid Odd Numbers
  Use even or auspicious amounts (e.g., 60,000 VND or 88,000 VND). Avoid amounts with the number 4, as it symbolizes bad luck in Vietnamese culture.
• Do Not Seal the Envelope
  Unsealed envelopes are easier to open and symbolize smoothness and ease in the coming year.
• Use New, Unfolded
  Money Always use crisp, new bills to signify freshness and avoid folding money. Place it neatly in a long envelope to represent abundance.
• Ensure Equal Amounts for Children
  Give equal amounts to avoid jealousy and maintain harmony among family members.
• Receive with Both Hands
  Always use two hands to show respect when accepting a lì xì.
• Do Not Open in Front of the Giver
  Opening lì xì in front of the giver is considered disrespectful, as it values the money over the giver’s intentions.

9. Tet holiday: more than just lucky envelopes 

• Traditional Foods:

Bánh Chưng and Bánh Tét are iconic sticky rice cakes representing the harmony of heaven and earth. While bánh chưng (square-shaped) is a staple in the north, bánh tét (cylindrical) is cherished in the south.

The festive season wouldn’t be complete without a Mâm Cỗ - a tray of traditional dishes like boiled chicken, spring rolls, vegetable soup, pickled onions, and steamed sticky rice placed on family altars to honor ancestors.

>>>> Learn more about: Bánh Chưng: The Heart of Tet, Vietnam's New Year Tradition

• Flowers of the Season:

Northern homes are adorned with delicate pink peach blossoms, while southern families prefer vibrant yellow apricot blossoms. Both signify renewal, prosperity, and vitality.

• Temple visits and lucky branches:

Beyond family gatherings, many visit temples to pray for blessings and "pluck luck" (hái lộc). This tradition often involves picking symbolic red envelopes or sprigs of greenery from temple trees, believed to bring good fortune in the year ahead. (Explore: Top 11 Must-Visit Temples and Pagodas in Vietnam)

At Kampá Tour, we also organize a hái lộc đầu năm (New Year’s blessing) experience for our tourists. This special activity offers guests the chance to engage with Vietnam’s traditional culture while marking the start of a prosperous year.

The event is not only a way to greet and wish our guests good health and success but also an opportunity to express our gratitude and share mutual blessings for the year ahead. It’s a heartfelt tradition that connects us all, making the New Year celebration even more meaningful.

Our last words

As you’re reading this, Tết is likely just around the corner. Lì xì is more than just a tradition; it’s a beautiful expression of love, respect, and good wishes that binds generations together during Tết. Whether you’re giving or receiving, it’s not about the money - it’s the thought, the blessings, and the positive energy that come with it. 

So, next time you hand over a red envelope, remember that you’re not just sharing money, but passing on luck, health, and happiness for the year ahead. We wish you a year filled with prosperity, joy, and countless moments of love and luck. Chúc Mừng Năm Mới! (Happy New Year!)

>>>> Explore the colourful Vietnam with us:

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