The origins of the more popular festive packet, which is the red envelope for Lunar New Year, dates back to ancient China with many different recounts of how the tradition came about. Some stories speak of coins being wrapped in red paper to ward of demons and another tells the story of a young man protecting a town from being terrorised by a demon and the villagers rewarding him with a red envelope filled with money. 

 

Despite which origin story one chooses to believe, they all come back to today's red envelope giving tradition. In the modern tradition, giving red envelopes typically expresses love, care and gratitude to the recipient. The tradition of gifting money in festive packets also extends to other cultural festivities such as Hari Raya for Muslims and Deepavali for Hindus.

 

More than just money, a red envelope becomes a symbol of such values during the new year and can remain as memorable gifts to friends and family.