As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
Chinese New Year is just around the corner, so what better craft to make than the quintessential Chinese red envelope (lai see or hóngbāo)?
This lucky red envelope is so easy to make! Just use the free printable template and do some cutting, folding and gluing…simple as that!
This is a great craft to make with your kids. Or, you can also make it to give to your kids!
Chinese Red Envelope Meaning
The hóngbāo (Mandarin), or lai see (Cantonese), is a special red envelope that symbolizes good luck and prosperity. It is filled with money and given out during the Lunar New Year as well as other special occasions such as weddings, graduations, and the birth of a child.
Chinese Red Envelope Etiquette
Only clean and crisp money should be given in the red envelopes. And, while there is no set amount that should be given, it should never contain the number “4” (4, 40, 400, etc. are all bad luck).
The number “8” represents good luck and prosperity, so any dollar amount containing “8” is a good thing!
The red envelope should always be given and received with two hands, and it should never be opened in front of the person who gifted it.
Read more about the red envelope here.
Learning with Books
Here are some great books to teach your child about Chinese New Year, recommended by my aunt (who just happens to be a retired children’s librarian)!
How do you make a Chinese red envelope?
Supplies:
Step 1: Print the guide on a sheet of red paper, then cut the envelope out.
Step 2: Fold the side flaps to create the sides of the envelope. Then, glue the side flaps together.
Step 3: Fold the bottom flap up, then glue it as pictured below. The bottom flap is the smaller flap. Next, fold the top flap down, but do not glue it.
Step 4: Fill in the Chinese characters with glue, cover it with glitter, then shake off the excess. Let it dry, and there you have it..a Chinese red envelope!
Download your free printable guide!
Here is your free printable guide for making your Chinese red envelope.
The characters on the envelope say gong hei fat choy (Cantonese) or gong xi fa cai (Mandarin) which is a wish for happiness and prosperity in the coming year.
Try these other Chinese New Year crafts!
- Chinese New Year Lion Puppet with Free Printable
- Chinese New Year Firecrackers Craft with Free Printables
- Chinese New Year Lantern Craft
As always, sharing is caring! Please click on the buttons below to share this post with your friends!
