红包 — hóngbāo
In Chinese culture the traditional gift presented at celebrations such as weddings or Chinese New Year is a hóngbāo. Literally translating to “red pocket” a hóngbāo is simply a long, narrow, red envelope with money inside. Handing out hóngbāo is a Chinese tradition dating back to the Qin Dynasty (221 to 207 BC). The red color of the envelope symbolizes luck and good fortune for the year ahead and they’re usually decorated with the Chinese characters for prosperity, happiness and luck.
Although hóngbāo are usually left unsigned, for weddings a short message, typically a four character expression (成语 Chéngyǔ) for good wishes, and signature are welcomed. Some four-character expressions appropriate for a wedding red envelope are 天作之合 (tiānzuò zhīhé, marriage made in heaven) or 百年好合 (bǎinián hǎo hé, happy union for one hundred years).
If you would like to participate in this Chinese tradition we have set up The Knot’s Newlywed Fund (below) as a digital hóngbāo or honeymoon fund. While we have yet to set any plans, we hope to continue our adventure of exploring the world together. We gratefully appreciate your contribution and look forward to celebrating our wedding with you.