The second new moon after the winter solstice always marks the start of the Lunar New Year. Taking place between Jan 21-Feb 21, this Chinese tradition revolves around the celebration of prosperity, abundance, and fortune — in both senses of the word.
You will soon be putting up red lanterns, cut-outs, and paintings adorned with the image of the rat to ward off evil and to encourage longevity, health, and peace.
You may already be dreaming of fish, dumplings, tangyuan, and niangao; and you’re probably already feeling the excitement of watching the Spring Festival Gala.
But, it is also time to start thinking of hóngbāo, those traditional red packets filled with money, that bestow good wishes and luck on the recipients.
Lunar New Year Checks are Here
This is the year of the Ox, and in this metal (gold) Ox year, what better way to celebrate hard work and popularity among loved ones and friends than to offer Lunar New Years checks decorated with dragons, cherry blossoms, and lanterns.
These beautifully adorned checks offer a festive alternative to cash that can be kept to remember the person who gave it, and whether you are honoring an elder or bestowing luck on the children in your life, they make it easy to offer the proper sum in lucky increments. Give eight, eighty-eight, or even eight hundred and eighty-eight dollars with the stroke of a pen.
Choosing Checks Over Cash
Lunar New Years checks can be easily deposited via mobile apps so that money is quickly kept safe, and mailing checks is far safer than mailing sums of cash.
You no longer have to worry about theft during the mailing process, and checks are far more protected should something happen in transit. And if you are mailing your hóngbāo this year, you can also purchase lovely Tao Simplicity address labels to make your gift even more memorable.
So stack up those red envelopes and start filling them with crisp new Lunar New Years checks. Help those you care about start off a new season with prosperity. Jíxīng gāozhào!
Gift-Giving Etiquette
- Red is the color of energy, good luck, and happiness. It is traditional to offer hóngbāo in red envelopes. Avoid using white envelopes, which are used for funerals.
- Always start by giving a gift to the eldest member of a gathering.
- When receiving a gift, you should take it with both hands rather than one. This is considered a sign of respect.
- When you receive a gift it is traditional to set it aside to be opened later. Offer the giver a New Year’s salutation and save the gift for later when you can open it in private.
Celebrate with our Happiness & Prosperity checks, accompanied by Tao Simplicity Address Labels for sending your lucky red envelopes!
