The Lunar New Year, or Tet, is not just a time of transition between the old and new year, but also an occasion for people to exchange good wishes and vibrant red envelopes of lucky money. The custom of giving lucky money (lì xì) at the beginning of the year has long been an indispensable cultural feature of the Vietnamese people, carrying the meaning of wishing luck, prosperity, and health to the recipient, especially children and elders. However, behind this simple act lies a delicate art of etiquette. For the lucky money envelope to be truly meaningful, there are things we need to be mindful of and avoid. This article will serve as a detailed guide to help you understand what to avoid when giving lucky money during the Tet 2026 holiday, ensuring that joy and luck are spread in the most complete way.

What kind of money should be avoided for Tet lucky money?

Lucky money holds not just material value but also wishes for prosperity and abundance. Therefore, the choice of denomination and the condition of the banknotes are extremely important.

• Avoid using old, crumpled, or torn money: A new, crisp banknote symbolizes a fresh, smooth, and energetic start. Conversely, old, torn, or crumpled money can bring a sense of bad luck, disrespect, and a new year that may not go as desired. Take the time to exchange for new money at the bank before Tet to ensure your lucky money envelopes are neat and proper.
• Avoid taboo numbers, especially the number 4: In Eastern culture, the number 4 (tứ) sounds similar to the word for "death" (tử), carrying connotations of bad luck and mourning. Therefore, you should absolutely avoid giving amounts of money containing the number 4, such as 4,000, 40,000, or 400,000 VND. Instead, prioritize lucky numbers like 6 (prosperity), 8 (fortune), 9 (longevity), or other auspicious number combinations.
• Limit using small change or odd amounts: Lucky money is often favored in even numbers, symbolizing pairs and completeness. Giving an odd amount of money (e.g., 53,000 VND) can sometimes be seen as incomplete. It's better to use round numbers to make the wish feel more whole and fulfilling.

How to choose the right lucky money envelope?

The lucky money envelope is the "face" of this fortunate gift. Choosing a suitable envelope also shows the giver's thoughtfulness and sophistication.

• Avoid white, black, or dark-colored envelopes: Red and gold are the primary colors of Tet, symbolizing luck, wealth, and vitality. In contrast, white and black are often associated with funerals and sorrow. Using envelopes of these colors is a major taboo and can make both the giver and receiver uncomfortable.
• Do not use envelopes from the previous year: Each Tet has its own zodiac animal. Especially in the Year of the Fire Horse 2026, using envelopes with images of the Dragon (2024) or Snake (2025) is not advisable. This shows a lack of preparation and respect. Choose envelope designs featuring the Horse or motifs like apricot blossoms, peach blossoms, or Tet couplets that fit the new year's atmosphere.
• Do not reuse received lucky money envelopes: Using an envelope you received from someone else to give to a new person is impolite. It implies you are "passing on" your luck to someone else and shows a lack of sincerity.

How much lucky money is appropriate to give?

This is perhaps the most puzzling question for many. There is no fixed standard for the amount of money inside, but it requires tact to avoid creating awkward situations.

• Avoid overemphasizing material value: The core of the lucky money custom is to give luck, not just money. Don't turn this beautiful cultural tradition into a financial burden or a "rat race" of value. A small amount given with a sincere heart and meaningful wishes is far more valuable.
• Avoid comparison and favoritism: You should not give significantly different amounts of money to children within the same family or group of friends. This can inadvertently cause jealousy, comparison among children, and awkwardness for the adults. It is best to prepare envelopes with similar values.
• Avoid giving too much money to young children: Giving a large sum of money to a child might make them not appreciate its value and develop a habit of demanding more. Instead, a moderate, symbolic amount is more suitable for teaching children about the meaning of the custom.

What should be noted about the attitude when giving and receiving lucky money?

Attitude is more important than the value inside the envelope. How you give and receive lucky money determines the meaning of this act.

For the giver:

• Avoid giving with one hand: Present the envelope with both hands to show respect. This is a minimum courtesy, especially when giving to elders.
• Always accompany it with a wish: Don't just hand over the envelope in silence. Smile and offer the recipient good wishes like "I wish you grow up healthy and study well," or "I wish grandparents a long life of a hundred years."

For the receiver (and what to teach children):

• Avoid opening the envelope in front of the giver: This is considered very impolite, showing curiosity about the material value rather than appreciating the sentiment. Teach children to receive the envelope, say thank you, and put it away carefully, only opening it in private.
• Avoid a demanding or begging attitude: Parents need to educate their children not to ask for lucky money. Lucky money is a gift of luck voluntarily given by adults, not an obligation.
• Receive with both hands and say thank you: Just like the giver, the receiver must use both hands to accept the good fortune and remember to say thank you along with a Tet wish in return.

Should we use digital lucky money or bank transfers?

In the digital age, online lucky money via e-wallet apps or bank transfers is becoming increasingly popular. However, this method also has its considerations.

• Advantages: Fast, convenient, and especially useful for giving lucky money to relatives and friends who are far away and cannot be met in person.
• Disadvantages to avoid: Overusing digital lucky money can diminish the warmth and "soul" of the custom. The feeling of holding a red envelope, of the direct exchange, still carries a special meaning that technology can hardly replace. It lacks the ritual of bowing, crossing arms to receive a gift, and the direct verbal wishes.
• Advice: Balance both forms. Use digital lucky money for those who are far away and prioritize handing over traditional red envelopes to family and relatives during gatherings to fully preserve this beautiful cultural feature.

Conclusion

Giving lucky money at the beginning of the year is a beautiful custom filled with profound human values. Understanding and avoiding the don'ts of giving lucky money not only helps you present yourself as a sophisticated, culturally aware person but also contributes to preserving the purity and meaning of this tradition. Wishing you and your family a warm, joyful Tet of the Fire Horse 2026, filled with many lucky red envelopes!