What is lì xì? Lucky money in red envelopes

Lì xì is lucky money given in small red envelopes during Tết, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. Adults usually give it to children, and grown children often give it to their elderly parents, along with wishes for health, luck and a good year ahead.

The amount matters less than the gesture: the red envelope and the new bills inside stand for passing good fortune from one person to another.

What does lì xì mean?

Lì xì ("lee see") is commonly traced to a Cantonese term for lucky money, which came into Vietnamese through contact with Chinese communities, especially in the South. The word refers both to the money and the act of giving it. The envelope is a bao lì xì ("bow lee see").

In the North, people often say mừng tuổi ("mung too-ee") instead. It literally means "celebrating age," because traditionally everyone was considered one year older at Tết. Both terms are understood across the country, but lì xì is more common in the South and mừng tuổi feels more traditional in the North.

Why are the envelopes red?

Red is linked with luck, joy and protection in Vietnamese culture, and it is everywhere during Tết. Envelopes are often decorated in gold with New Year wishes, flowers or the year's zodiac animal. For 2027, the Year of the Goat, expect plenty of goat designs.

Who gives lì xì to whom?

• Parents and relatives to children. This is the classic case. Children look forward to it all year.
• Grown children to their parents and grandparents. Here the gesture is about respect and wishing elders a long, healthy life.
• Employers to staff, at some workplaces, as a New Year gesture.
• Friends' and neighbors' children, when visiting homes during Tết.

Married adults and those who earn their own money are the usual givers. Young single adults may still receive lì xì from older relatives, which is a common source of jokes.

What goes inside?

New, crisp banknotes are preferred, because new money suggests a fresh start. Many people visit the bank before Tết to get new notes. The amount varies widely with family income, closeness of the relationship and local custom. Some families have preferences about particular numbers, but these beliefs vary. For guidance on amounts, see how much lì xì to give.

How do you give and receive lì xì?

Giving and receiving lì xì follows a simple, polite pattern:

• The child wishes first. Children usually greet the adult with a New Year wish, such as wishing them good health.
• The adult gives the envelope with a wish in return, for example to study well or grow up quickly.
• Use both hands to give and receive, as a sign of respect.
• Say thank you. Con cảm ơn ạ ("kon kahm un ah") is how a child politely thanks an older relative.
• Do not open it in front of the giver. It is considered more polite to open it later.

What wishes go with lì xì?

Some simple phrases:

• Chúc mừng năm mới ("Happy New Year"), always appropriate.
• Chúc ông bà sống lâu trăm tuổi ("Wishing grandparents a long life to a hundred"), a classic for elders.
• Chúc con học giỏi ("Wishing you good grades"), from an adult to a child.
• Chúc con hay ăn chóng lớn ("Eat well and grow fast"), for small children.

More greetings are collected in chúc mừng năm mới: Tết greetings and what they mean.

What do children do with their lì xì?

Traditions vary by family. Some children keep it all; many parents "look after" it for them, which is another well-known joke. Some families put it toward school supplies or savings.

When is lì xì given?

Mostly during the first days of Tết, which in 2027 begin on Saturday, February 6. It is often given on the morning of the first day, during family visits over the following days, and when the first visitor arrives. Some people keep a few envelopes ready for unexpected visitors.

Is lì xì given outside Tết?

Red envelopes also appear at weddings and some other celebrations, but lì xì in everyday speech mostly means Tết money. For the rest of the holiday customs, read Tết traditions from cleaning house to the first visitor.

If you are giving lì xì for the first time, get new bills, use both hands and pair the envelope with a short, sincere wish; that is what makes it feel right.