Vietnamese lucky Money Tradition (Li Xi)
Vietnamese lucky money, or “li xi,” carries deep cultural significance during the Lunar New Year. Given as a wish and good fortune and happiness, these red envelopes strengthen family ties and serve as a heartfelt expression of luck and prosperity during the lunar new year.
Vietnamese deeply value the tradition of giving and receiving “li xi,” especially children who eagerly look forward to it during the New Year. This custom remains a cherished part of Tet (New Year), standing the local tradition , as an essential aspect of Vietnamese culture when the Lunar New Year arrives. Check out best Vietnam packages tours
What is Li Xi: Vietnamese lucky Money
“Li xi” translates to “lucky.” and it is given during the Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year), people give children small amounts of money in red envelopes, symbolizing wishes for good fortune, health, and prosperity. This tradition is exclusive to Tet and not practiced during other Vietnamese holidays.
Where does Li Xi Lucky Money originate?
This tradition originated from the belief that it protects children from evil spirits. According to legend, these spirits targeted children on New Year’s Eve, but the gods transformed into bronze coins placed under their pillows to keep them safe. Over time, this practice evolved into giving lucky money during new year celebration.
Another legend traces the tradition back to China’s Tang dynasty when the king gifted gold and silver in a red envelope to safeguard a newborn prince. While no scientific evidence supports the belief that lucky money brings fortune, it still brings joy to recipients. This enduring practice connects ancient customs with modern life, keeping Vietnamese lucky money an important part of the culture and tradition. See Vietnamese culture and traditions
Who should receive Vietnamese lucky money?
Adults, including grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, and older siblings, typically give li xi to younger family members and children. However, lucky money isn’t just for kids—it is also given to the elderly. When grown children present li xi to their parents, it reflects gratitude and care. In return, elders appreciate receiving lucky money as a sign of their children’s financial independence. Additionally, married couples often give li xi to unmarried individuals as a gesture of encouragement and good fortune for their future.
Importance of Vietnamese lucky money on new year
The Vietnamese lucky money plays a very important role in the Tet Holiday (lunar new year in Vietnam). It strengthens family bonds, conveys well-wishes, and contributes to the new year’s atmosphere. While the amounts inside the envelopes may be modest, the act of giving li xi remains a key aspect of Vietnamese culture, symbolizing wishes for good fortune. The exchange of red envelopes is thought to bring added luck for the year ahead.
How to give Vietnamese lucky money
Traditionally, people give Vietnamese lucky money in red envelopes, while modern methods include money transfers and electronic gift cards.
Traditional way of giving li xi
On Lunar New Year, families gather in the morning to honor their ancestors with incense and share a meal. Younger family members offer well-wishes to their elders, who in return give Vietnamese red envelopes to the children. The red color, symbolizing luck in Asian culture, is a common feature.
Modern ways of giving li xi
In modern days, Vietnamese lucky money isn’t just given by seniors. Anyone with an income can join in the tradition, offering li xi to older family members, including parents and grandparents. This custom has expanded beyond the family, with friends, colleagues, and neighbors exchanging li xi and other Tet Holiday gifts.
In recent years, the trend of giving li xi by transfer to the bank account has grown, especially among the younger generation. This allows people who are far from their families during the new year to still send well wishes. Li xi can now be sent and received through various digital methods, such as bank transfers or e-wallets.
How much should i give as a Vietnamese lucky money?
The amount of Vietnamese lucky money, or lì xì, given depends on the relationship between the one who give and the one who receive, their age, and the family’s financial situation.
- Young children: VND 20,000 to VND 50,000 (approximately USD 1 to USD 2)
- Parent: VND 500,000 to VND 1000,000 (25 to 50 USD)
If online transfer, numbers like 6, 8, and 9 are associated with good luck and prosperity in Vietnamese culture. Therefore, amounts such as 66, 666, 88, 888, 99, 999, and others are preferred. These numbers carry cultural importance and are seen as offering positive wishes for the upcoming year.
Tips on giving & receiving lucky money on new year
- Avoid giving li xi with amounts linked to the number 4, as it represents bad luck in Vietnamese culture.
- Refrain from giving odd amounts of li xi, since odd numbers symbolize incompleteness. It’s better to give even amounts.
- Don’t use old or damaged envelopes for li xi, as they may carry negative energy from the previous year. Choose new envelopes with meaningful and appropriate messages.
- Refrain from opening the envelopes in front of the giver, as this is considered rude and could suggest that you value material gain more than the giver’s kind intentions.
Bottom line
Giving and receiving lì xì, or lucky money, holds great meaning in the new year’s celebration. This tradition, with its fascinating origin, excites everyone, particularly children, during this time of year. Offering lì xì expresses your wishes for good fortune, letting the recipient know that you hope for positive things to come their way.
