When mentioning Tet, the children normally think of “Li xi”. Giving each other best wishes and give the children some lucky money have become indispensable parts of Tet. Children are extremely happy and excited when receiving “li xi” from adults. “Li xi” or lucky money is the money which is given to children to welcome the new age on the first day of Lunar New Year. The old also get “li xi” from their children with a bless for a new year of health, peace and happiness. It is a common belief that the money can bring good fortune to the upcoming year.
Li xi in Tet is a traditional custom of the Vietnamese
The word “li xi” is transliterated from Cantonese into Vietnamese, which means money and benefits in hajji. To welcome the new age of the kids, adults in the family, relatives, friends of parents give them small amounts of money (lucky) and give them a wish of maturity and success in education path, ect. The money is put inside red envelopes as the red color signifies the prosperity and great luck according to Asian’s belief.
Normally, in the morning of the first day of Lunar New Year, adults and their children will visit grandparents’ home, give them the wish for a happy year, great health, and longevity. It is the chance for the kids show respect and gratitude toward yesteryear generations. After that, grandparents will give the children a red envelope containing lucky money to welcome their new age. They also wish their grandchildren health, progress in study…
The Grandmother give her grandchild the lucky money
This traditional ritual still remains preserved until today; and “Li xi” tradition has been an indispensable part of many generations’ childhood. Although the amount of money is small, the meaning that lucky money brings is very great. Not only it presents the best wishes of the adults for the kids, but it also demonstrates the succession of generations.
