As a child, didn’t you love receiving those little red packets filled with lucky money at the new year? Traditionally, married adults and family elders give these hong bao to children and unmarried young people. Make sure the amount given is an even number; odd numbers are considered unlucky. $8 is especially good because the number “8″ (fa) sounds like “get rich” in Chinese. Since the act of giving is more symbolic than material, it is considered rude to open hong bao in front of the givers. This practice of well-wishing and blessing probably originated during the Qing Dynasty, when elders would tie coins together with red string. After printing presses became common in China, this tradition evolved to the envelopes. Now they come in a variety of designs, which, along with the red color of the hong bao, signify life, happiness and good fortune.
Some people even collect these beautifully decorated hong bao. Common motifs for hong bao covers include: 
The Chinese zodiac – the twelve-year cycle which designates each year according to an animal. Year 2011 is the year of the rabbit.
Fish - the Chinese pronunciation of fish, yu, is similar to “abundance.” The carp also symbolizes longevity.
The God of Wealth – also known as chai shen. Giving hong bao is like wishing wealth upon family and friends in the new year.
There are now even cartoon characters and other modern motifs like these McDonald’s hong bao from the site Things Asian:
What are your favorite memories of giving or receiving hong bao? What designs do you find most interesting?
