Chinese funeral red envelope. A piece of red thread may also be given out to guests so they can tie it to their front doorknobs to ward off evil spirits. The legend Here are some examples: The distribution of candy in red or white envelopes at the end of the procession is believed to leave a sweet taste in the mourners' mouths, symbolically leaving behind any negativity associated with the funeral. Guests at a Chinese funeral wear somber colors, while celebrations for elderly deceased can include white and pink. Customs may vary by geography and a family's religion, as well as the age, social status and cause of death, but all traditional Chinese funerals include certain elements and follow specific etiquette. As the legend goes, there was a demon named Sui that came out to terrify children while they were asleep. A Chinese funeral is steeped in solemn beauty and tradition. Sometimes the guests are also given a candy or a handkerchief. The Chinese red envelope tradition, known as hongbao in Mandarin, is far more than a gift of money. After the Actual Funeral: When the actual funeral is finished all the guests are given an envelope of red color with a coin in it. Although red envelopes are most closely associated with the Lunar New Year, they are also given on other special occasions like birthdays and weddings. This post on Chinese American Funeral Customs covers Red Envelopes, Funeral Music and Processions, Lucky and Unlucky Numbers, and Celebration Days. Each of these envelopes contains a coin. After the Funeral Once all this is done and the guests are about to leave, the family of the deceased distributes red envelopes among them. Here are some examples: The distribution of candy in red or white envelopes at the end of the procession is believed to leave a sweet taste in the mourners' mouths, symbolically leaving behind any negativity associated with the funeral. In some regions, mourners might toss coins as they leave the funeral site. Chinese funeral preparation involves family members choosing the best funeral date and sending formal invitations. Most guests of Chinese funerals will wear a black band around their arm. The amount of the gift varies, but it's typically an odd number starting at $101. In Chinese culture, red envelopes are often given by the older generation to the younger ones, particularly children and young adults. To keep children safe from being harmed by Sui, parents would light candles and stay up for the whole night of Chinese New Year's Eve. Red envelopes, also known as “hongbao” in Chinese culture, hold great significance during various occasions, including funerals. Red, in Chinese culture, is the color of happiness. Discover whether you should open Chinese New Year red envelopes, their cultural meaning, proper etiquette, and regional traditions across Asia and beyond. . The envelope is of red color as red is considered as the color of happiness and this gesture shows the hope of a new start. And then before you sit down for the service you are given a red envelope that already It was thought to ward off evil spirits. Interviewer: Are there any practices in your culture that revolve around life transitions, like funerals, weddings, or birthdays? Informant: So at Chinese funerals there is often a viewing beforehand where it’s like a reception and people make speeches and you bow and pay your respects to whoever has died. Most people who attend Chinese funerals at Cypress Lawn will wear a black band around their arm. However, during funerals, the meaning Chinese tradition calls for funeral guests to give the family of a deceased loved one a white envelope filled with condolence money. Chinese families will typically give guests a red envelope with either a coin or a dollar bill inside of it for good luck and a white envelope that has a piece of candy in it to take away the bitter taste of death. [1] It originated in China before spreading across parts of Southeast Feb 15, 2026 · That simple gesture, repeated in countless homes across China and throughout the Chinese diaspora, carries over a thousand years of love, protection, and hope. The custom of giving red envelopes originates from some of the oldest stories of Chinese New Year. A Chinese funeral is steeped in solemn beauty and tradition. While red envelopes are commonly associated with joyful celebrations like weddings or the Lunar New Year, their presence at funerals may seem intriguing. A red envelope, red packet, red pocket, lai see (Chinese: 利是; Cantonese Yale: laih sih), hongbao or ang pau (traditional Chinese: 紅包; simplified Chinese: 红包; pinyin: hóngbāo; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: âng-pau) is a gift of money given during holidays or for special occasions such as weddings, graduations, and birthdays. At the funeral, families burn spirit paper for safe passage and hand out red thread to ward off spirits. This tradition symbolizes the transfer of good fortune and blessings from the elders. Chinese families will typically give the guests a red envelope with either a coin or a dollar bill in it for good luck and a white envelope that has a piece of candy in it to take away the bitter taste of death. In Chinese tradition, red symbolises luck, happiness, and prosperity. xekdr, 510ly, u2rzwi, wps0, xik8xu, jell, jelbqw, 0fai, rmto4h, bwskyj,