①A red envelope(信封) is simple a long, narrow, red envelope. Traditional red envelopes are often with gold Chinese characters, such as happiness and wealth.
②During the Chinese New Year, money is put inside red envelopes which are then handed out to younger children by their parents, grandparents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends. At some companies, workers may also receive a year-end-bonus(奖金) inside a red envelope.
③Red envelopes are also popular gifts for birthdays and wedding(婚礼). Unlike a western greeting card, red envelopes given at the Chinese New Year are left unsigned. For birthdays or weddings, a short message, usually a four-character expression, and signature(签名)are acceptable.
④Red is a symbol of luck and good fortune(财富) in Chinese culture. That is why red envelopes are used during other celebratory events too, like a house-warming party, or to welcome the arrival of a newborn.
⑤Giving and receiving red envelopes, gifts, and even business cards is a solemn(庄重的)act. Therefore, red envelopes, gifts, and name cards are always presented with both hands and also received with both hand.
⑥The person who received a red envelope at the Chinese New Year or on his or her birthday should not open it in front of the giver. At Chinese wedding, things are difficult. At a Chinese wedding, there is a table at the entrance of the wedding hall where guests give their envelopes to people in charge(负责人)and sign their names on a large notebook. The people in charge will open the envelope right away, count the money inside, and record it next to the guests' names.