The Tradition of Lucky Money: From the Imperial Court to the People

 

Have you ever heard of "lucky money"? It’s a fun and meaningful tradition tied to the Lunar New Year in Chinese culture. Let’s dive into what it is, where it came from, how it was used long ago, and why it’s sparking debates today!

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What is Lucky Money?

 

Lucky money（red pockets), or "壓歲钱" (yā suì qián) in Chinese, is money given to kids by their elders during the Lunar New Year. In southern China, Hong Kong, and among Hakka-speaking communities, it’s called "利是" (lì shì). The money comes in a bright red envelope, and it’s not just a gift—it’s a way to wish kids good luck and safety for the year ahead. Imagine getting a little red packet filled with cash as a New Year’s blessing—pretty cool, right?

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Where Did Lucky Money Come From?

 

The story behind lucky money is spooky and exciting! Long ago, there was a monster named "祟" (suì), which sounds like the Chinese word for "age." Every year, on the night before the Lunar New Year, this creature would sneak into homes and touch the heads of sleeping children. The kids would wake up crying, get headaches, and sometimes even get really sick. Parents were so worried that they stayed up all night with the lights on to keep the monster away. They called this "guarding against 祟."

One clever couple had an idea. They gave their child eight copper coins to play with. When the child fell asleep, they wrapped the coins in red paper and tucked them under the pillow. That night, when the monster crept in and reached for the child, a burst of light shot out from the pillow! The monster ran away, terrified. The couple told everyone, and soon, families started doing the same thing. Later, people learned those coins were actually the Eight Immortals—legendary heroes—disguised to protect the child. Since "祟" sounds like "age," this trick turned into "壓歲钱," or "lucky money," to keep bad luck away.

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Lucky Money in the Tang Dynasty

 

Back in the Tang Dynasty (a long time ago in China), lucky money was a royal thing. It didn’t happen much among regular people—it was mostly for the fancy palace folks. During that time, the Lunar New Year was called "立春日" (the first day of spring), and it was a big deal for the royal family to share blessings. One famous story is about Emperor Xuanzong. When his concubine, Yang Guifei, had a baby, he was so happy that he gave her special "wash the baby" money made of gold and silver. This wasn’t just to celebrate—it was also a charm to protect the newborn from evil spirits. Pretty fancy, huh?

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Lucky Money Today: Why the Debate?

 

Fast forward to now—lucky money is super popular in East Asia, but it’s not all smooth sailing. Kids can get a lot of cash in just a few days, and that’s where things get tricky. Some parents take the money for different reasons. They might use it to buy school supplies, teach kids about saving, or even keep it “safe” (but then spend it themselves!). This can make kids upset—some have even gone to court to get their money back! On the flip side, other kids are happy to share it with their parents to help out. It’s a big mix of feelings!

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Why Lucky Money Still Rocks

 

Lucky money isn’t just about the cash—it’s about love, protection, and keeping an old tradition alive. From scaring off monsters to sharing New Year’s blessings, it’s a special way to connect families. Whether you’ve gotten a red envelope before or not, it’s a cool piece of culture to know about!

What do you think? Have you ever received lucky money? Share your story in the comments below!

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