Chinese New Year Craft: How to Make a Red Envelope

Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is the most important of the Chinese holidays. The festival begins on the first day of the first month in the Chinese calendar and ends on the 15^th. The 15^th is called the Lantern Festival.

Red envelopes are presented on holidays such as the Chinese New Year and at weddings and other social and family gatherings. The color red symbolizes good luck and is supposed to ward off evil spirits. It is believed that the red envelope will bring luck to both the giver and receiver. Older relatives usually give younger family members a red envelope. And, married couples usually give unmarried people a red envelope to wish them luck.

The amount of money in the envelope would usually end with an even digit. Odd-numbered gifts are traditionally associated with funerals. There is a tradition that money should not be given in fours or the number four should not appear in the amount.

Here are simple instructions and a few websites that will help you make your own red envelope.

Activity Village features a wonderful easy envelope.

You will need:

Red paper

Gold paint or pen

Glue

The website offers a template. After your print out the template onto red paper, you will need to cut it out. Fold along the marked lines. Glue the small flaps down. Make sure you leave the top open. Use the gold paint or pen to draw a Chinese character on the front of the envelope. The website also includes a page of Chinese calligraphy cards. The envelope is now ready.

The Lucylearns website also provides an envelope template. Take a look at the website to get a 'Chinese dragon clipart picture', which makes a great addition to the front of the envelope. It also suggests adding the words "Gung Ho Fat Choy" which means "Happy New Year".

Kaboose is a website with many children's activities, including printables, cards and crafts. It also includes instructions for the lucky red envelope. The author suggests using red craft foam for this envelope. It also contains a link for Chinese characters pattern. When you are done with the envelope, take a look at their other Chinese New Year crafts, such as the 'Cardboard Tube Red Firecracker', the 'Tiger Paper Bag Puppet' and the 'Welcome Door Hanger'.

Enjoy and Gung Ho Fat Choy!

Sources:

Wikepedia.com