During Chinese New Year, as well as for other special occasions like weddings, Chinese people give red envelopes. Red is the luckiest color in China, symbolizing happiness and good luck. Red envelopes are filled with money and represent good wishes. Giving them is a way of sharing one's blessings.
Numerology is important to the Chinese people. Never give an amount of money with the number 4, 40, 400, etc. Four is pronounced "suh" and is the 4th tone. Death is also pronounced "suh," but it is third tone. Because of the similarity of sound, most buildings in China were built without a floor labeled "4," just like "13" in the U.S.
When receiving a red envelope, accept it with both hands. The same holds true for business cards. Business cards are an extension of the person giving them, therefore you honor and respect that person by using both hands to accept the card or red envelope.
Elders give red envelopes to children and grandchildren as a way to pass on good fortune. Another version is when younger people give envelopes to their elders in order to bestow longevity or show gratitude.
Next week is the story of Chinese New Year and the legend of the monster, Nian.
Numerology is important to the Chinese people. Never give an amount of money with the number 4, 40, 400, etc. Four is pronounced "suh" and is the 4th tone. Death is also pronounced "suh," but it is third tone. Because of the similarity of sound, most buildings in China were built without a floor labeled "4," just like "13" in the U.S.
When receiving a red envelope, accept it with both hands. The same holds true for business cards. Business cards are an extension of the person giving them, therefore you honor and respect that person by using both hands to accept the card or red envelope.
Elders give red envelopes to children and grandchildren as a way to pass on good fortune. Another version is when younger people give envelopes to their elders in order to bestow longevity or show gratitude.
Next week is the story of Chinese New Year and the legend of the monster, Nian.
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