As the Lunar New Year is coming, the children eagerly receive the lucky money from grandparents, parents.... This tradition goes through the ages and is not affected, becoming a part of Vietnamese culture. Giving the Vietnamese lucky money or "Li xi" to blessings of good luck and happiness for recipients. 

What is lucky money? 

Vietnamese lucky money is known as "Li xi", originated from Chinese. The money will be placed in a red envelope and given to children with the wish of luck, health, and prosperity coming to them in the new year. 

Besides, the tradition of giving Li Xi is a way to protect children far away from evil and ghosts. 

Because they will harm children during Lunar New Year and to escape from evil, the gods transformed into bronze coins, putting under the pillow of each child to protect them.

Lucky money

The grandparents, parents often give Li xi to younger family members and other children. Besides, Vietnamese lucky money is taken to the elderly from their offspring. 

The sons and daughters grow up who can give Li Xi to their parents . With an unmarried person, married couples can give lucky money to them to convey the luck wishes in the future. 

Parents give lucky money to daughter

Where does it originate from?

Once upon a time in Chinese, a husband and wife got married many years and only had a little son. So, they love him so much. 

And at that time, the devil appears and always comes on New Year's Eve  and touches the heads of children while sleeping. Devils spread germs for them, making them got sich, silly. 

The couple worried for days. Up to 1 day, there are some gods passing by the house of the old couple. The gods know that the devil will come and harm the son tonight.

Coin in red envelope

To help and protect the child, the gods thought a way was to turn it into coins and the mother put some coins into the red paper. When the devil came that night, the twinkling light from the coin made the devil scared and not put its hands on the child. 

In addition, this is another legend concerning lucky money. The legend of lucky money occurs in China's Tang dynasty. When the prince was a newborn, the King put gold and silver in a red envelope with a purpose to protect children. 

Although currently, no one can prove lucky money luck , Vietnamese people preserve the ancient traditions and cherish part of unique culture.

The meaning of Vietnamese lucky money

The image of lucky money is closely tied to Tet holiday and a beautiful tradition with Vietnamese people. The practice is only added to the festival atmosphere but also strengthens family bonds. 

Giving Li xi is a signature part of the traditional Vietnamese culture, the meaning of healthy wishes for good fortune. Besides, the exchange of red envelopes will enhance the luck of the new year. 

Parents prepare lucky money in envelopes

Should I give how much Vietnamese lucky money? 

If you wonder how much is typically given is enough for the Lunar New Year, the answer will depend on the budget and closeness between the giver and recipient. 

Don't put emphasis on giving how much money. You can put the red envelopes with some money to give to children. The specific numbers such as 6, 8, 9 signify good fortune and luck. So, the amounts like 66, 666, 88, 888, 99, 999 that many people choose. As the cultural beliefs and convey specific for the new year. 

2 ways of giving Li Xi

Put some money in a red envelope

All of the people will come together to burn incense to their ancestors and eat a meal. The younger family will send well wishes to their elders for the new year with lucky, health and fortune. 

The grandparents and parents give Vietnamese red envelopes to the children. In Asian culture, the red color is considered as an embodiment of luck. 

Give money in red envelopes

Giving Li Xi online

Currently, giving lucky money is not only from seniors but also from another family member as long as they have an income. Besides, co-worked, friends, neighbors who exchange li xi and other Tet gift.

With the development of technology, you can give li xi online for family and become a trend among the younger generation. 

The quickly way that you can give your families if you live far away. So, you can easily send and receive online through various methods. This is a popular and modern way for lifestyles today.  

Lucky money is one of the traditional customs in Vietnam during the Lunar New Year. Li Xi wishes for happiness and lucky, health to your loved ones in the new year.