Vietnamese Lucky Money: Discover the Cultural Meaning in the Red Envelope
Tết is the most important national holiday in Vietnam, and exchanging Vietnamese lucky money is undoubtedly one of its most cherished and iconic customs. There is so much more than money wrapped inside those little red envelopes, affectionately known as "lì xì"—each one holds a heartfelt wish for good fortune.
What is "lì xì"?
In Vietnam, it's a tradition to give money inside a red envelope during Tết (the Vietnamese Lunar New Year). This symbolizes good luck and conveys wishes for happiness and prosperity for the new year ahead. The concept of lì xì is similar to the Chinese hongbao (red envelope), which uses the red color to symbolize luck.
After Giao thừa (New Year's Eve), usually on the first three days of the new year, adults will give lì xì to children and some wishes as well. In return, the children will say "thank you" and offer their own New Year wishes for good health, happiness, and prosperity. Once they start working and earning their own income, adult children may also give lì xì to their grandparents, parents, and other older family members. This is a meaningful way to show gratitude and give back to those who have cared for and supported them.
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How to say lucky money in Vietnamese?
Lucky money is commonly called "lì xì" in Vietnamese. The word is derived from the Cantonese pronunciation of 利市 (pinyin: lì shì, or in Cantonese: lei6 si5), which means "auspicious" or "good fortune." Over time, the pronunciation adapted into Vietnamese as "lì xì."
To pronounce "lì xì," you will say it like "lee see" with a falling tone (thanh huyền) - start low and fall smoothly. Check out six tones in Vietnamese to get the idea of how pitch can change the meaning.
Pronunciation of "lì xì":
In Vietnamese, people also use "tiền mừng tuổi" to refer to "lì xì" (literally translated as "money to celebrate a new age"). While “lì xì” is widely used throughout Vietnam, "tiền mừng tuổi" is especially common in Northern Vietnamese.
Pronunciation of "tiền mừng tuổi":
5 things you should know about Vietnamese lucky money
Few Tết traditions carry as much joy and meaning as the exchange of lì xì. To help you give and receive these red envelopes with confidence, here are five key insights into this unique custom.
1. Lucky money isn't all about money
The money symbolizes good wishes, blessings, and good luck rather than material wealth or value. How much should I put inside? You don't have to give a large amount of money; what matters most is the thought and good wishes behind the gesture. Receiving lì xì brings joy and excitement in the early days of the year, while giving one sparks happiness, love, and hope.
2. Rules for giving the money
It’s not mandatory, but there are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when it comes to giving lì xì. As lì xì is believed to give luck for the whole year, only clean, crisp notes should be put into the envelope. That's why in the lead-up to New Year's, many Vietnamese people exchange their old and crumpled bills for the new ones.
3. Lì xì is not only for family members and Tết
While the tradition centers on children in a family, lì xì can also be given to friends, colleagues, and many other relatives. Different amounts of money are customary for each relation. Casual acquaintances can also expect lì xì, especially when they meet during Tết.
Apart from Tết, people also exchange lucky money on special occasions, such as when married couples to their single buddies, and bosses to their staff and suppliers.
4. Practice some New Year wishes along with lì xì
Lì xì is best accompanied by a few words of good wishes, as Tết is a time for spreading happiness, blessings, and good fortune for the year ahead. When you give or receive Vietnamese lucky money, you can wish the other person prosperity, good health, wealth, and many positive messages. Here are some common New Year wishes:
Chúc ông bà sống lâu trăm tuổi. (Wishing my grandparents a long life of a hundred years.)
Chúc cho ba mẹ mãi sống khỏe, sống vui bên con cháu. (Wishing my parents eternal health and happiness alongside their children and grandchildren.)
Chúc con học giỏi, nghe lời ông bà cha mẹ. (Wishing you excellent grades and to always listen to your grandparents and parents.)
Chúc con mau ăn, chóng lớn, khỏe mạnh, thông minh. (Wishing you to eat well, grow up fast, stay healthy, and be smart.)
5. The best time to give lì xì
It is customary to give lì xì on the first day of the Lunar New Year when you're "người xông đất". However, it is also common to give it throughout the Tết holiday when visiting family, friends, and acquaintances. More than just a monetary gift, the crisp bills tucked inside symbolize blessings for the whole year so you can give lì xì any time during the Lunar New Year.
Vietnamese lucky money is far more than a simple gift of money. It is a powerful cultural symbol carrying blessings, protection, prosperity, and emotional connection. Understanding the meaning of lì xì and customs behind it offers a unique window into Vietnamese values —family harmony, respect for elders, and wishes for good fortune.
