The North and South New Year's Money Awards
In traditional Chinese customs, New Year's money has always been regarded as an important element of the New Year, and this custom has its own characteristics in different regions and different cultural backgrounds. Due to the differences in climate, economy, culture and other aspects between the south and the north, the customs of giving New Year's money are different.
First of all, the custom of New Year's money in the south pays more attention to the harmony and happiness of individuals and families. The elders give the younger generations a red envelope, which contains auspicious New Year's money, hoping that the younger generations will be safe and healthy in the new year, and all the best. Red envelopes usually have a red background color, symbolizing festivity and good luck. In some areas in the south, such as Fujian, Guangdong and other places, there is also the habit of putting rice cakes, candies and other foods into red envelopes, which means that life is sweet and fulfilling.
In contrast, the custom of pressing money in the north pays more attention to the unity and dignity of the family. The elders will give each child a red envelope, which means that they wish them success in their studies and careers in the new year. The amount of red envelopes varies in size, but usually does not exceed the family's financial affordability. In some northern cities, such as Beijing and Tianjin, elders will also determine the amount of red envelopes according to the age and gender of the children to show respect and distinction.
In addition, there is also a slight difference in the time of giving New Year's money to the north and south. The south usually gives money on the morning of Chinese New Year's Eve or New Year's Day, while the north prefers to give money during the Spring Festival or around the Lantern Festival. It reflects the difference in the concept of time between the north and the south, with the south paying more attention to specific time points, while the north paying more attention to the entire Spring Festival period.
Finally, whether it is the red culture in the south or the family concept in the north, it reflects the important position of New Year's money in traditional customs. It is not only an economic behavior, but also a transmission of emotions and cultural inheritance. By giving New Year's money, he expressed his best wishes for the new year and his expectations for family harmony and social harmony.
To sum up, due to the differences in geography and culture, the north and the south have their own characteristics in the custom of giving New Year's money. However, whether it is in the south or in the north, the New Year's money carries people's good wishes for the new year and expectations for family harmony and social harmony. This is the charm of traditional customs, which connect people across regions and cultures.