What does "lucky money" mean in Vietnam?

Li xi means "lucky." The tradition of giving Vietnam lucky money involves placing a small amount of money in a red envelope and giving it to children. This symbolizes wishes for luck, health, and prosperity and is only observed during the Lunar New Year and not other Vietnamese holidays.

What is lucky money in Vietnam?

First lucky money, also known as “mừng tuổi,” is a traditional Vietnamese cultural practice every Tet and springtime. This activity usually takes place in the first days of the new year, when people give each other bright red lucky money envelopes, symbolizing good luck, wealth, and prosperity.

What does the 🤞 mean in Vietnam?

In Vietnam the gesture is considered rude, especially to another person. Referring to female genitals, it is comparable to the middle finger in American culture. In German-speaking countries, as well as Sweden and Latvia, the gesture is a sign of lying.

What is a good luck gift in Vietnam?

Red, a symbol of luck and prosperity, is commonly used in gifts, especially during the Lunar New Year or special events. Plants such as bamboo, lotus, apricot, peach, or the money tree are often chosen because they are believed to bring wealth and peace to the recipient.

Can you give lucky money to someone older in Vietnam?

It's lucky money, so people can give it to anyone they want as a nice gesture! Doesn't matter if it's children to parents, elders to juniors, friends to friends, partners to partners, or even employers to employees!

Vietnamese Lucky Money Exchange on TET (My First Time!)

What are the rules for giving lucky money?

The amount given in red envelopes never includes the number '4' - that means no 4, 40, or 400 amounts - as the pronunciation of 'four' in Chinese sounds like the word for death. However, amounts including the number '8' will bring good luck and prosperity. Go '8'! There are rules on how to properly receive an envelope.

How much luck money do you give?

May your pockets never be empty…

After the buyer and seller agree terms, the seller would then gift the buyer a sum of money for “good luck”. In old Ireland this would typically have been a penny.

What is considered lucky in Vietnam?

Numbers: The Vietnamese believe the number 9 brings luck. 8 is also considered lucky. The 1 and 8 of 18, adding up to 9, are considered auspicious. Colours: White, black, purple and green have negative connotations of death, evil, sadness/fragility and jealousy, respectively.

How do you say "lucky money" in Vietnamese?

Vietnamese lucky money, or "li xi," is traditionally given during the Lunar New Year to bestow blessings of good luck and happiness upon the recipients. These red envelopes play a significant role in maintaining family bonds and expressing love during this auspicious holiday. 1.1.

What is the superstition about Vietnamese gifts?

Items to Avoid

Some gifts can be unintentionally offensive due to cultural beliefs or superstitions. For instance, clocks and watches symbolize time running out and are inappropriate for elders. Sharp objects like knives or scissors suggest cutting ties and should be avoided.

What is the red flag in Vietnam?

The red background symbolizes revolution and bloodshed. The golden star symbolizes the soul of the nation and the five points of the star represents the five main classes in Vietnamese society—intellectuals, farmers, workers, entrepreneurs, and soldiers.

What does 13 mean in Vietnam?

As opposed to good luck symbols, there are specific numbers that are generally viewed as bad luck in Vietnamese culture. Of the Vietnamese unlucky numbers, the number 4 is the most widely known, as it is pronounced similarly to the word for “death”. Another such number is 13, often associated with bad luck.

What does the red rose mean in Vietnam?

The number of roses gifted can also affect the overall meaning. In Vietnam, a single red rose can represent your unwavering love.

Is 10,000 dong a good tip in Vietnam?

Tipping Etiquette in Vietnam: What You Need to Know

Casual Eateries: Tipping is not expected, but leaving small change (around 10,000 to 20,000 VND) can be appreciated for excellent service. Mid-range to Upscale Restaurants: A tip of 5-10% of the bill is common, though check if a service charge is already included.

What is lucky money used for?

Red envelopes are a traditional part of Vietnamese culture. They are considered to be lucky money and are typically given to children during Vietnamese New Year. They are generally given by elders and adults, where a greeting or offering health and longevity is exchanged.

What is the lucky number for money?

Certain numbers in numerology are believed to attract wealth and success. Numbers like 8, 6, 9, 3, and 5 carry vibrations that align with ambition, balance, creativity, and risk-taking which can enhance financial prosperity.

How to activate money luck?

Who receives lucky money?

Traditionally, it is the elders – grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, and older relatives—who give lucky money to children, teenagers, and young adults in the family. Married adults also give lucky money to younger siblings, cousins, or other children in the lineage.

What does the red envelope mean in Vietnamese?

Lucky Money – Red Envelope in Vietnam. In Eastern Asia countries, Red is the symbol of luck, which explains why lucky money is put in red envelopes. And giving lucky money (or “li xi“) is the most anticipated of customs, especially by children during the Lunar New Year festival in Vietnam.

How much do you put in red envelopes?

Red envelope cash sums are usually even numbers like 200, 600 or 800, as even numbers are traditionally considered auspicious. The new year is a fresh start, so fresh bills should be given. The amount for family elders should increase year on year.

What is the meaning of giving lucky money?

Giving lucky money at the beginning of the year is a way to send the best wishes: health, success, and happiness. It is also a symbol of reunion and a smooth start to the new year.

What are taboo gifts in Vietnam?

Scissors, shoes, suitcases, handkerchief are not recommended to gift Vietnamese people.

Which number is lucky in Vietnam?

Lucky Numbers: Numbers like 6 and 8 are considered very lucky. The number 6 sounds like "lục," which is similar to "lộc," representing fortune or blessings in Vietnamese culture. The number 8 sounds like "phát," which conveys growth, success, or prosperity.

What are the taboos in Vietnam?

Religious and Spiritual Taboos

Loud conversations and inappropriate attire are not acceptable. Ancestor Worship: Altars and offerings to ancestors are sacred. Touching or disturbing these areas is highly disrespectful. Photography: In many religious sites, taking photos is restricted.