Festive red and gold Chinese lucky money packets (hongbao or ang pow), decorated with embossed patterns like oranges, a treasure bowl, peonies, and the character "Fu" (blessing). Meanings on the Packets • 大吉大利 (Dà jí dà lì): Appears on the first and third packets, meaning "great luck and great prosperity". • 恭喜發財 (Gōng xǐ fā cái): Appears on the second packet, meaning "wish you wealth and prosperity". • 福 (Fú): Appears on the fourth packet, meaning "blessing," "good fortune," or "happiness Traditional Meanings of the Artworks • Oranges / Tangerines (First Packet): The Chinese word for orange (jú) sounds like the word for "luck" (jí). The bright color also mimics gold, symbolizing incoming wealth. • Treasure Bowl / Sycee (Second Packet): The gold ingot (yuanbao) represents wealth, abundance, and an accumulation of financial success in the new year. • Peonies and Carp (Third Packet): Peonies are known as the "flower of riches and honor." The carp (fish) symbolizes surplus, stemming from the phrase Nian Nian You Yu (may you have abundance every year). • The "Fu" Character (Fourth Packet): This encompasses a wide range of positive aspirations including luck, good health, peace, and spiritual harmony. Essential Rules for Giving Red Envelopes • Avoid Even vs. Odd Numbers: Gift money should always end in an even number, which symbolizes double blessings. However, avoid the number 4 (sì) because it sounds like the word for death. • The Power of Eight: The number 8 (bā) is highly favored because its pronunciation sounds like the word for "to prosper" or "make wealth" (fā). • Use Crisp Bills: Traditionally, you should only put brand-new, unwrinkled bank bills inside red envelopes as a sign of clean beginnings and respect. • Do Not Open in Public: If you receive a red packet, it is considered impolite to open it directly in front of the person who gave it to you.