Li Xi is a Vietnamese custom of giving lucky money to children and elders during the Tet holiday, which is the Lunar New Year. Li Xi is a way of expressing gratitude, respect, and good wishes for the new year. Li Xi is usually a small amount of money in a red envelope, which is considered a lucky color. Li Xi has a long history and cultural significance, and it is one of the most anticipated and cherished traditions of Tet.
Coming from a folklore
According to a Vietnamese folk tale, Li Xi originated from a legend about a monster named Tuy, who would harm children on New Year’s Eve. Some deities helped a family by turning themselves into gold coins and telling the parents to wrap them in red paper and put them under the child’s pillow. The coins scared away the monster and protected the child. Since then, Vietnamese people have adopted the custom of giving money in red envelopes to children as a way of wishing them luck and happiness in the new year.
Li Xi also has different meanings and functions, depending on the region and the belief of the people. Some people believe that Li Xi symbolizes the harmony and balance of heaven and earth, as the red envelope represents the earth and the money represents the sky. Some people believe that Li Xi represents the loyalty and prosperity of the family, as the red envelope is a sign of love and the money is a sign of wealth. Some people believe that Li Xi represents the flukes and fortune of the individual, as the more Li Xi one gives or receives, the more luck one will have.
Li Xi is not only given to children, but also to elders, relatives, friends, and even strangers, as a way of showing respect and generosity. Li Xi is usually given on the first day of Tet, when people visit each other and exchange New Year’s greetings. Li Xi can also be given on the following days of Tet, when people meet for the first time in the new year. Li Xi is not only a gift, but also a means of communication and expression for Vietnamese people.
The meaning of giving “li xi” in new year day
People always give lucky money to others as a way to express their wish of luck and best things happening to the receivers in Tet. Asian believe that red is one of the luckiest colors on most occasions, which leads to the fact that lucky money is always covered in red envelopes. Moreover, envelopes are also believed to be the symbol of fortune and are often used to cover the lucky money, so everyone wouldn’t know about other people’s lucky money.
On the first day of the new year, people visit their relatives to give them the best wishes of receiving the blessing of health and happiness in new year. After many wishes are given, people will give “lì xì” (which means lucky money) to their children.
Li Xi is a unique and meaningful feature of the Vietnamese New Year, which reflects the culture and identity of the Vietnamese people. It is not only a tradition, but also a manifestation of the spirit and the values of the Vietnamese people. Li Xi is a source of joy and excitement for children, and a source of pride and gratitude for adults. Li Xi is a symbol of beauty, elegance, and identity for the Vietnamese people.
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