A small present with a big meaning

Giving hongbao, or red evenlopes, is the prefect gift for Spring Festival

Hongbao, a red envelope containing small amounts of money, is a gift that is guaranteed to be warmly received, not just because of the cash, often a token amount, but also because of its traditional symbolism and best wishes for the future. This is true throughout China, but especially in the south where people regard receiving hongbao as an auspicious beginning to the New Year.

Legend in the south has it that a devil used to appear to harm children and the elderly but loud noise would frighten the devil away, as did the color red.