The Tradition

The Chinese Red Packet or Ang Pow is a symbol of good luck and is believed to ward off evil, illness and untimely death for those receiving it. As such, the Ang Pow is an integral part of wedding gift giving, as it is meant to bring luck and goodwill to the young couple. But how did such a simple red envelope gain its meaning?

According to ancient folklore (and Wikipedia) a village in China was terrorized by a wicked demon, who preyed upon small children and youths. It did so by prowling the village at night, entering bedrooms and touching its victims on the head. One couple decided to pray to the Gods to protect their baby. In return eight fairies came down and surrounded the babies head, disguised as gold coins. When the demon approached they stunned it with the blinding gold from the coins. Empowered, the people of the village passed out envelopes filled with coins to protect themselves. The demon was never to return, and the village triumphed. And that is how the Ang Pow was born. 

To purchase a red envelopes please visit your local Asian grocery store, ask your Asian friends, or search "wedding red packets" on Amazon. And if that is just too darn complicated we will provide extra red packets at the wedding or you can donate to our honeymoon fund below. 

If you are wondering what to put in the envelope, Chinese custom dictates that the amount placed in the red packet end in an even number. Please also avoid the number 4, as that number in Chinese sounds like the word "death" and is most certainly unlucky for a wedding. The numbers 6, 8 and 9 are very auspicious. 

Thank you so much for embracing part of our cultural traditions, and we greatly look forward to spending the day with you all.