Changing Perspectives... on Lunar New Year

The other day, I handed a shiny red envelope – called a leesee or hongbao – to a one-year-old. Her parents looked intrigued. They’d seen these envelopes before but had never thought to ask what they were all about.

I get it. When I was little, I received these envelopes regularly. I was thrilled by the mysterious cash inside but completely clueless about their significance. As an Australian-born Chinese kid, I was more focused on fitting in and being “Australian” than exploring my Chinese heritage. Asking questions about traditions like the hongbao didn’t even cross my mind. All I cared about back then was that the envelope always contained money – and that was more than enough for my younger self.

It wasn’t until much later – long after the flow of envelopes had stopped, and I found myself on the giving end – that I decided to find out. What exactly are these hongbaos, and why do we hand them out like clockwork every Lunar New Year and at other important celebrations?

It turns out hongbaos are steeped in Chinese tradition. Sure, the cash inside is a big part of the excitement (let’s be real), but there’s so much more to these red envelopes. The vibrant red symbolises luck, joy and protection, while the money tucked inside represents blessings, prosperity and the giver’s wish for the recipient’s financial stability. In essence, it’s a beautifully packaged way of saying, “Here’s to a year where you don’t go broke!”

In my family, Lunar New Year is all about gatherings, overeating and chatter. We usually descend upon Lee’s Fortuna Court in Crow’s Nest, where the atmosphere is lively with lion dances, clanging cymbals and enough drumming to make your ears ring for days. My late husband called it “pots and pans music”.

As a parent now, I’ve embraced my role as the hongbao distributor to my kids, younger family friends and unmarried relatives. Why? Because tradition dictates that until you’re married, you’re still eligible for these little red blessings. Marriage, apparently, is the cutoff point for this delightful perk.

So, there you have it. A Chinese tradition that’s part practical, part symbolic, and wholly cherished. And while the younger me might’ve seen it as just a lucrative bonus, the older me sees it for what it truly is – a gesture of care, respect, and hope for a prosperous year ahead.

My final message for our industry is to stay endlessly curious. Always ask people why and what. The stories behind customs and traditions are fascinating – they give so much depth to our experiences and help us see the world in new ways.

Gong hay fat choy!