Can We Guess How Much Will Be in Your Chinese New Year Red Envelope?

WORLD

By: Ian Fortey

5 Min Quiz

Image: Constantine Johnny / Moment / Getty Images

About This Quiz

Red has long been a symbol of good luck and happiness in China, which is why it features so prominently in the culture. This is why the red envelope is so important for the tradition of giving a gift of money to someone. It's not the money so much as the red paper that covers it that has value. The red bestows a blessing on the receiver more than just handing over a pile of cash on its own. As you can see, the symbolism is of great value.

Why give a red envelope at all? It's really the spirit of giving as well as offering protection and good fortune. As someone who earns money, sharing it with others is significant. You would share the most with your parents and employees, people to whom you owe a debt of gratitude. Children and friends also receive envelopes. Legend has it that the origin of the red envelope is wrapped up in the story of a demon called Sui that would appear at the New Year and prey on sleeping children. Parents would give their children coins wrapped in red paper, and the children would play with them and not fall asleep.

While we may not believe in demons any longer, the tradition still stands. So how much will be in your envelope? Let's find out!

Have you ever given or received red envelopes in the past?

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When the holidays roll around, would you rather spend them with family or with friends?

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Do you know what sign from the Chinese zodiac you were born under?

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Are you married or single?

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Without getting too personal, what's your age range?

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Are you making a steady paycheck these days?

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Would you ever give someone $400 in an envelope?

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How big of a deal is New Year's for your family?

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Is it "Gong hei fat choy" or "Kung hei fat choy?"

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Do you ever set off sky lanterns?

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How well do you clean the house before New Year's?

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Do you have a large family?

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How many friends do you have that you would trust with an important secret?

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Do you ever check out a parade during the Chinese New Year?

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What's your favorite Chinese New Year dish?

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If you only got to put up one decoration for the holiday, what would it be?

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Do you believe in luck?

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Have you ever performed a lion dance?

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The lion dance is supposed to scare off the monster Nian. Do you believe in monsters?

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How important are family traditions to you?

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Do you plan on visiting your grandparents for Chinese New Year?

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How likely are you to hit up a fireworks display to celebrate the new year?

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Someone gives you a white envelope with $44 inside. What did they do wrong?

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How well do you know the etiquette of gift giving for Chinese New Year?

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If you were young and single, how much would you be giving in an envelope?

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How many gatherings do you have for your family over the course of a year?

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Does your family celebrate Chinese New Year every year?

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Are you going to cook for your family over Chinese New Year?

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Have you ever experienced a truly lucky event?

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Do you practice feng shui around your house?

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