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Austin Zhang

It is a long-standing Chinese tradition during the Lunar New Year to give out red packets, also known as lai see in Cantonese and hong bao in Mandarin.
Usually handed out in pairs and containing money, these paper envelopes are accompanied by greetings such as kung hei fat choi (in Cantonese) or gong1 xi3 fa1 cai2 (in Mandarin) to give everyone an auspicious start to the new year.
The red colour of the packets symbolises good luck and prosperity and the amount of money inside usually ends in an even number, which is considered more auspicious.
Red packets are not just given out during Lunar New Year but also on other special occasions such as weddings and birthdays.

As early as China’s Han dynasty (206BC-AD220), red packets were used to ward off evil spirits. As time progressed, adults used them to offer good wishes to their children and other young people.
Today the practice has evolved to include well-wishing in the form of digital payments.
How did digital red packets come about?
In mainland China, digital hong bao became one of the most popular ways for people to send blessings to each other after social media platform WeChat launched its digital red packet function in 2014.
The activity really blew up the following year during the CCTV New Year’s Gala, China’s most-watched show, when random cash rewards were given out to audience members in the form of digital red packets. This single exhibition of the function saw 200 million WeChat users connect their bank accounts to the social media app, the Global Times reported.
Since then, more technology companies have launched digital red packet functions, making the sending of e-lai see a mainstream activity.

In Hong Kong, digital red packets are also becoming more popular.
According to data released by Tencent Hong Kong in 2024, the number of times e-lai see were sent between February 9 and 13 (Lunar New Year’s Eve to Lunar New Year’s day four) and the number of users doing so both more than doubled from 2023.
Why have digital red packets become so popular?
Sending digital red packets is extremely convenient and also more environmentally friendly, while still adhering to Chinese cultural traditions.
In Hong Kong, environmental group Greeners Action estimated that 320 million paper red packets were given out in 2023 – equivalent to roughly 16,300 trees.

You can also play lottery-like mini-games by sending a red packet to a group chat with multiple users. The chance, or RNG (random number generation), mechanism means some users may “grab” up to 90 per cent of the amount, while others get as little as 1 per cent.
Will traditional red packets eventually get phased out?
Despite the changes brought about by new digital methods, many people still prefer the physical paper versions.
“I enjoy the process of [using paper] red packets – it is a traditional culture and has a better [vibe],” posted one user on the Chinese social media platform RedNote, also known as or Xiaohongshu. “Even though I use the digital version more these days, I still take out some money during the Chinese New Year and give them to children and neighbours.”
Another RedNote user said that in addition to cultural significance, traditional red packets are also safer, because digital red packets can easily be used for scams.
“Some old members in my family have encountered such situations. When they clicked into a so-called ‘free red packets’ activity, they were asked to enter their bank card account to receive a large amount of benefits, which I think is very dangerous for elderly and child users.”


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Chinese culture

Why Chinese give red packets at Lunar New Year and the rise of digital versions

The red colour of lai see symbolises good luck and prosperity, and the amount of money inside usually ends in an even number, which is considered more auspicious. Photo: Shutterstock

Sending digital red packets is becoming more popular in China. Photo: Shutterstock

WeChat was the first company to launch a digital red packet function. Photo: WeChat 

Many people still prefer to send paper red packets rather than digital ones because of the cultural significance. Photo: Shutterstock

How the red Chinese candy box bestows blessings of luck and wealth during Lunar New Year

A traditional chuen hup usually has eight compartments, and the snacks within are collectively called the “Eight Sweets”. 
The typical line-up – all candied – consists of lotus root, lotus seeds, water chestnuts, winter melon, carrot slices, kumquat, coconut shreds and coconut wedges. Photo: Shutterstock

Modern chuen hup tend to contain other treats to cater to people’s preferences, including nuts and wrapped confectionery. Photo: Getty Images

While many modern chuen hup are more flexible and fashionable than their traditional counterparts, the spirit of togetherness remains unchanged. Photo: Shutterstock

Candied seeds are a common component of a chuen hup. Photo: Shutterstock

Best Chinese New Year pudding discounts in Hong Kong to help your shopping

Assorted Puddings Photo: Yue (Tung Chung)

Chinese New Year 2025 puddings from Cordis include turnip pudding - made with locally grown turnips from a farm in Fanling - and sweet puddings with coconut, and coconut and red date. Photo: Cordis

Hong Kong Cuisine 1983’s turnip pudding with conpoy and smoked preserved meats. Photo: Hong Kong Cuisine 1983

Assorted puddings from Yue. Photo: Yue (Tung Chung)

Assorted puddings from Regal Hong Kong. Photo: Regal Hong Kong

Assorted puddings from the Mandarin Cake Shop. Photo: Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong

Conrad’s classic Chinese New Year turnip and coconut puddings. Photo: Conrad

Year of the Snake 2025 predictions for 12 zodiac signs. How is your health, luck, wealth?

Feng shui master Tong Pik-ha predicts the varying fortunes of people born under the 12 Chinese zodiac signs in the coming Year of the Snake. Illustrations: Victor Sanjinez

Born in a Year of the Snake? Your zodiac conflicts with coming lunar year’s guardian deity

The Hock Kung snake temple in Selangor, Malaysia. In the coming Year of the Snake, certain people’s zodiac signs, including Snake, will be in conflict with the tai sui, or guardian deity, and precautions need taking. Photo: Shutterstock

Snakes need to be careful in the Year of the Snake, as theirs is one of the Chinese zodiac signs in conflict with the tai sui, or guardian deity. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez 

To appease the guardian deity, Snakes should make an offering at a temple, such as this one in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo: Shutterstock

Snakes should avoid high-risk activities, especially those that involve water such as water skiing. Photo: Shutterstock

Lifestyle

Family & Relationships

Culture

Year of the Snake 2025: predictions, facts, myths and feng shui

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How’s your luck in the Year of the Snake’s 12th month? Feng shui master Andrew Kwan gives his predictions for all 12 Chinese zodiac animal signs. Photo: Shutterstock

Photo: Shutterstock

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How’s your luck in June? Feng shui master Andrew Kwan gives his predictions for all 12 Chinese zodiac animal signs. Photo: Shutterstock

Is Year of the Snake’s month 3 lucky for you? Predictions for all 12 zodiac signs

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Rats should prioritise stress relief this month. Photo: Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Oxen may experience unexpected changes in their careers. Photo: Shutterstock

Tigers should stay resilient at work and invest cautiously. Photo: Shutterstock

Rabbits should adjust their mindset and persevere at work. Photo: Xinhua

Dragons should stick to routines and avoid late nights to maintain regular sleep cycles. Photo: AP

Snakes should beware of accidents and stay alert to avoid injuries. Photo: Austin Zhang

Horses should maintain a balanced routine to ensure adequate rest and regulate sleep to counter social exhaustion. Photo: Shutterstock

Single Sheep may attract mature partners. Photo: Shutterstock

Monkeys face mounting work pressure this month. Photo: Shutterstock

Roosters should maximise professional growth, stabilise finances and deepen bonds this month. Photo: Shutterstock

Dogs should capitalise on professional breakthroughs. Photo: Shutterstock

This is a good month for Pigs to engage in preventive care. Photo: Shutterstock

Feng shui tips for Ox birth sign in the Year of the Snake, for health, wealth, luck, love

The Year of the Snake will be busy for Oxen, who can use feng shui to ward off bad luck. A master of the ancient practice shares where to put what. Photo: Shutterstock

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Feng shui master Andrew Kwan. Photo: Andrew Kwan

Feng shui tips for Dragons in the Year of the Snake, for luck in love, health and wealth

Dragons will experience a complete turnaround of fortunes in the Year of the Snake. A feng shui master shares how to maximise luck in health, wealth and love. Photo: Shutterstock

Dragons may suffer from insomnia and mild health problems this year. Photo: Shutterstock

Dragons can place white crystals such as quartz in the western part of their living space to enhance their good luck this year. Photo: Shutterstock

Feng shui tips for Rabbits in the Year of the Snake, for luck in love, health and wealth

Rabbits should be careful when it comes to investments this year. A feng shui master shares where to place crystals, orchids and more for luck in wealth, health and love. Photo: Shutterstock

According to feng shui principles, Rabbits should place a fishbowl, or decorative items with flowing water, in the southeast of their living space for financial luck. Photo: Shutterstock

Rabbits can place purple crystals such as amethyst in the northwest of their living space to enhance luck this year. Photo: Shutterstock

Feng shui tips for Tigers in the Year of the Snake for luck in love, wealth and health

Tigers may face betrayal and poor health in the Year of the Snake. A feng shui expert shares what to place where to prevent misfortune. Photo: Shutterstock

Those born in the Year of the Tiger should take particular care while driving this year. Photo: Shutterstock

Feng shui master Andrew Kwan says Tigers should beware of back-stabbers in the Year of the Snake. Photo: Andrew Kwan

Year of the Snake predictions for Donald Trump, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin

U.S President Donald Trump welcomes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the entrance of the White House in Washington, U.S., February 4, 2025. REUTERS/Leah Millis

President Xi Jinping raises a glass during a welcome dinner hosted by the Macau government in Macau on December 19, 2024. In the Year of the Snake, Xi’s Chinese astrological chart is characterised by a strong fire element accompanied by earth, metal and water, representing a typical combination of strength and prosperity. Photo: EPA-EFE

Feng shui master Andrew Kwan. Photo: Jelly Tse

US President Donald Trump is likely to encounter fewer challenges in his administrative duties over the next three years. Photo: Reuters

The next three years are predicted to be fraught with challenges for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photo: Reuters

Feng Shui master Tong Pik-ha. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Feng shui tips for Rats in the Year of the Snake, for luck in love, health and wealth

Rats will enjoy a good financial Year of the Snake. Photo: Shutterstock

The Year of the Snake will be a good financial year for Rats, but there may be downsides. A feng shui expert explains where to place items to ward off bad luck. Photo: Shutterstock

It will be a good financial year for Rats, but this might come with more pressure in the workplace. Photo: Shutterstock 

Feng shui master Andrew Kwan says Rats need to be careful of gossip and betrayal in the Year of the Snake. Photo: Andrew Kwan

What are Chinese knots? A history of the good luck symbol popular at Lunar New Year

Chinese knots have a long history, and are especially popular at Lunar New Year because they are believed to bring good luck. Photo: Shutterstock

Most of the Chinese knots you will see are made with a single length of satin cord. Photo: Shutterstock

Hong Kong-based designer Zoe Siu has based her artistic practice around knots for over 10 years. Photo: Pacific Place

The double coin knot resembles two interlocking coins, and symbolises wealth and prosperity. Photo: Pacific Place

Siu’s Lunar New Year installation at Pacific Place features a variety of intricate knots. Photo: Pacific Place

Feng shui tips for Dogs in the Year of the Snake, for health, wealth, luck and love

The Year of the Snake will bring luck for Dogs, who had a hard time last year. A feng shui expert shares where to place auspicious objects in your living space. Photo: Shutterstock


Placing purple crystals such as amethyst in the eastern part of their living space can bring luck to Dogs this year. Photo: Shutterstock

Feng shui tips for Roosters in the Year of the Snake, for health, wealth, luck and love

A Year of the Rooster zodiac figure. Photo: Shutterstock

Love is in the south for Roosters in the Year of the Snake. A feng shui master shares how to place items accordingly to improve your luck. Photo: Shutterstock

Decorating the southern part of your living space with red roses can bring luck in love for Roosters this year. Photo: Shutterstock

Feng shui master Andrew Kwan says this year presents excellent chances for Roosters to advance their careers. Photo: Andrew Kwan

Feng shui tips for Monkeys in the Year of the Snake for luck in love, wealth and health

Money will come and go for Monkeys in the Year of the Snake. A feng shui expert gives tips on where to put lucky objects for a healthy body, love life and bank account. Photo: Shutterstock

Gold ingot decorations are common at Lunar New Year and are believed to bring good luck if placed in the right location. Photo: Shutterstock

How sticky rice cakes became a Lunar New Year lucky dish and different ways they are eaten

Cantonese-style sticky rice cake, or “nin gou”, is usually made with glutinous rice flour, Chinese brown sugar and coconut milk. Photo: The Peninsula Hong Kong

Nian gao – Chinese sticky rice cakes – are made to appease the Kitchen God, or zao jun, who reports the activities of every household over the past year to Yu Huang, the Jade Emperor. Photo: Pictures From History/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Nian gao, called nin gou in Cantonese (above), are sticky rice cakes eaten at Lunar New Year. Photo: Shutterstock

Lam Yuk-ming is the Chinese cuisine executive chef at Spring Moon, The Peninsula Hong Kong’s Cantonese restaurant. Photo: The Peninsula Hong Kong

Tteokguk is a Korean Lunar New Year dish or thinly sliced rice cakes cooked in clear soybean soup. Photo: Shutterstock

Kagami mochi is eaten during Japanese New Year celebrations. Photo: Shutterstock

Feng shui tips for Sheep in the Year of the Snake for luck in love, health and wealth

For Sheep in the Year of the Snake, the wealth position is north and northwest. A feng shui master explains how to act on this for good luck. Photo: Shutterstock

People have been adhering to feng shui principles for centuries to improve their luck in health, love and wealth. Photo: Shutterstock 

The wealth position is in the north this year for Sheep, which means placing a fish bowl or tank in the north of their living space can bring good luck. Photo: Shutterstock 

Feng shui tips for Horses in the Year of the Snake for luck in love, wealth and health

Horses can improve their luck using feng shui in the Year of the Snake. Photo: Shutterstock

For Horses in the Year of the Snake, the position of love is east while health is south. A feng shui master shares how to act on this for good luck. Photo: Shutterstock

Feng shui has been used for centuries to improve the flow of energy, or qi, for good fortune and to ward off bad energy. Photo: Shutterstock 

Feng shui master Andrew Kwan shares how to promote good fortune through the thoughtful placement of lucky elements in your living space. Photo: Andrew Kwan

Hong Kong cheongsam maker gives the Chinese dress a modern makeover with her funky brand

Cheongsam maker Chocolate Tsang poses in one of her creations at her studio, Stand Tall D, in Kwai Chung, Hong Kong. Photo: Edmond So

Tsang works in her studio. Photo: Edmond So

Women wear cheongsam in Wan Chai, Hong Kong, in the 1960s. Photo: Information Services Department

Tsang takes 20 body measurements to make her cheongsam. Photo: Edmond So

 Tsang with cheongsam master tailor Yan Ka-man. Photo: Chocolate Tsang

Maggie Cheung wore 20 different cheongsam in the film In The Mood for Love (2000). Photo: Block 2 Pictures

Tsang’s favourite cheongsam is this navy lace piece that she handcrafted under the guidance of Yan. Photo: Chocolate Tsang

Tsang founded her made-to-measure brand in 2018. Photo: Edmond So

How ‘snake’ entered the English language and what Singaporeans mean by ‘eat snake’

The root words of the English snake and serpent mean “a creeping thing”, and most sayings that incorporate snake have a negative meaning, including the Singapore English “eat snake”. Photo: Shutterstock

The Slytherin logo is seen on cups in the store of a touring Harry exhibition in Barcelona, Spain. Photo: Getty Images

A 16th century Flemish engraving depicts men setting fire to undergrowth in which snakes are trapped. Photo: Getty Images

A banded krait, a snake native to Hong Kong. The name krait is borrowed from Hindi. Photo: Shutterstock

Feng shui tips in the Year of the Snake for Snakes, for health, wealth, luck and love

For Snakes in the Year of the Snake, the wealth position is west, the love position is south, and the position for health and general luck enhancement is southwest, according to feng shui. Photo: Shutterstock

What are ‘enemy signs’ in the Chinese zodiac? Snakes have 3; how to find success with them

Tigers are one of the Snake’s three “enemy signs” in the Chinese zodiac. The Snake and Tiger can be a challenging combination in both love and business, with relationships often full of conflict. Photo: Shutterstock

The Year of the Snake 2025 is not predicted to be a good one for Snakes, according to Chinese geomancy, who will experience unstable luck and relationship challenges. Photo: Shutterstock

Monkeys have a difficult time cooperating with Snakes in professional settings. Photo: Shutterstock

The relationship between Snakes and Pigs is considered one of the most challenging in the Chinese zodiac. Photo: Shutterstock

In Year of the Snake 2025, is bad luck predicted for you? 5 ways to change your fortunes

Every year in the Chinese lunisolar calendar, some zodiac signs clash with the guardian deity, bringing bad luck to people born under those signs. But there are things they can do to improve their luck. Photo: Getty Images

Chinese people like to learn their future by visiting a fortune-teller. If bad luck awaits some in the Year of the Snake, there are steps they can take to improve their prospects. Photo: Shutterstock

Performing a ritual at a temple that grants you a protective talisman is one way to mitigate bad luck resulting from a clash between your zodiac sign and the guardian deity. Photo: Shutterstock

Women’s red underwear. Wearing red undergarments is believed to improve luck. Photo: Getty Images

Wearing an amulet of another zodiac sign can ward off bad luck. In the Year of the Snake, a rooster amulet will help those born in the Year of the Snake. Photo: Shutterstock

Year of the Snake 2025 predictions for Rats, from lucky colour to health and wealth

In the coming Year of the Snake, white is the lucky colour for people born in Year of the Rat. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

In 2025’s Year of the Snake, people born in a Year of the Rat can expect good health but risks to their wealth. What else awaits them according to Chinese geomancy? Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

White is the lucky colour for Rats in 2025’s Year of the Snake, as seen in this White jumpsuit by Galvan, availabel from Net-a-Porter. Photo: Llewellyn Cheung/Jonathan Vit

Those born under the sign of the Rat have strong luck in love. Photo: Shutterstock

It is time to start focusing on well-being and dropping bad lifestyle habits. Photo: Shutterstock

How Hong Kong Lunar New Year lai see red packet designs blend tradition and innovation

Lai see envelopes created by Hong Kong design studio The Cabinet. Its founder explains how it balances tradition and modernity in its designs for them. Photo: Kylie Knott

Malou Ko is the founder of Hong Kong design studio The Cabinet, which has created lai see envelopes for corporate clients. Photo: Kylie Knott

The Cabinet designed red packets in 2020 for the Sheraton hotel chain that included the brand’s logo. Brand alignment is important, says The Cabinet’s founder Malou Ko. Photo: The Cabinet

A lai see packet created by Hong Kong design studio The Cabinet that was inspired by the boxes containing oranges that are sold in supermarkets at Lunar New Year. Photo: The Cabinet

The Cabinet designed lai see packets in 2023 for Hong Kong lifestyle brand Yuu including a scratch-off section that revealed a discount code for various retailers in the city. Photo: The Cabinet

An evergreen lai see packet with lanterns from The Lion Rock Press can be used every year. Photo: The Lion Rock Press

Food mistakes to avoid over Lunar New Year holiday, from eating congee to chopping chicken

People in Chengdu, southwest China, enjoy a Lunar New Year feast. There are auspicious foods to eat during the festival, and others you should avoid if you want good fortune in the new lunar year. Photo: Getty Images

Congee’s association with thriftiness and poverty makes it an inauspicious food to eat during Chinese new year celebrations. Photo: Shutterstock

According to Buddhist principles, diners should avoid eating meat on the first and 15th days of the Lunar New Year holiday, so the barbecued pork this woman is eating with a bowl of noodles would be a no-no. Photo: Shutterstock

Do not chop meat on Lunar New Year’s day. According to Chinese tradition, using sharp objects then symbolises cutting the thread of good luck for the year ahead. Photo: Shutterstock

A plump whole fish is a common sight on dining tables over Lunar New Year. Tradition-minded diners will leave the head and tail untouched so they will always have enough to eat in the coming lunar year. Photo: Shutterstock

Whether you use a bucket or other receptacle to store rice, make sure it is full to the brim at Lunar New Year. Photo: Shutterstock

Why Tigers should take precautions in Year of the Snake with conflict in the stars

A tiger bestrides Shanghai’s Yuuan Garden during the Lantern Festival in 2022. Tigers in the Year of the Snake face strife on the health and home fronts, but can take steps to mitigate their bad luck. Photo: Shutterstock

Tigers are in conflict with the guardian deity in the Year of the Snake, affecting their health and home life especially. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

The conflict with the guardian deity will negatively affect Tigers’ relationships at work this year. Photo: Shutterstock

Single Tigers will unlucky in love in the Year of the Snake because of their clash with the guardian deity. Photo: Shutterstock

Why there are fewer babies born in the Year of the Snake, and what it means

A family where the lucky colour red for Lunar New Year. Fewer babies are born in the Year of the Snake, with many parents believing they will be unlucky. Photo: Shutterstock

A lighting installation at Beijing’s Wenyuhe Park to welcome the coming Year of the Snake. Photo: AFP

A serpent-shaped light installation in Nanjing, Jiangsu, eastern China to mark the Year of the Snake. Photo: AFP

Year of the Snake predictions for Pigs, from love and health to career and wealth

Pigs oppose the ‘tai sui’ (guardian deity) this year and may face bad luck, but there are ways to improve your prospects. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Travel should be in the plans of Pigs in 2025’s Year of the Snake, to avoid the effects of some inauspicious stars according to Chinese geomancy. Illustration; Victor Sanjinez

Pink is the lucky colour for Pigs in 2025’s Year of the Snake, as seen in this dress by Zimmermann, available from Net-a-Porter. Photo: Llewellyn Cheung/Jonathan Vit

Married couples may be prone to constant arguments with each other, and should start or expand their family. Photo: Shutterstock

Pigs should engage in some light renovation or replace old furniture to refresh the energy at home. Photo: Shutterstock

Why Year of the Snake is cursed for Snakes, and how to appease deities to avoid bad luck

The Year of the Snake is bad for Snakes. Photo: Getty Images

Wearing red during the year of the Chinese zodiac sign you were born under is one of the ways to prevent bad luck. Photo: Shutterstock

A guardian deity inside of a Chinese temple. According to Chinese geomancy, those born in the Year of the Snake may face misfortune this coming year. Photo: Getty Images

Some set up a shrine at home dedicated to the tai sui to ask for forgiveness and protection against bad luck. Photo: Shutterstock

Naga, the King of Serpents, is widely worshipped, especially in Southeast Asia. He represents both good and evil. Photo: Getty Images

Wearing jade jewellery can be another way to prevent misfortune during your ben ming nian, as the stone is believed to bring longevity, and have mystical powers. Photo: Shutterstock

Why Chinese give red packets at Lunar New Year and the rise of digital versions

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Called lai see in Cantonese and hong bao in Mandarin, red packets wish good luck and prosperity, but are electronic versions taking over?

Called lai see in Cantonese and hong bao in Mandarin, red packets wish good luck and prosperity, but are electronic versions taking over?