Everyone in China loves receiving hongbao, those red envelopes with money inside that are often given to youngsters by their elders during festivals. And while most people are excited by the prospect of a cash gift, some are fascinated with the packet itself. One such person is in Guangdong Province.
Entering Liang Qunle’s home is like entering a museum. The hongbao envelopes displayed on the floor are a mere one-tenth of her collection, which boasts some twenty thousand and covers a history of hongbao design.
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| Everyone in China loves receiving hongbao, those red envelopes with money inside that are often given to youngsters by their elders during festivals. |
In the early days, a hongbao was just a red paper packet. Later, traditional wishes for health and happiness began appearing on the envelopes, featuring auspicious patterns of animals, pine trees and gods. But as time goes by, the patterns and sizes have evolved.
"This was used in wedding ceremonies. It was the largest of all kinds of hongbao at that time. However, the present ones are much bigger than those in the past." said Liang Qunle, Hongbao Collector.
Advertising has also started to appear on hongbao, as China’s economy develops. One of Liang’s favorites was issued by the Development Bank of Singapore.
"They are very special. Every year, there is only one set issued, a boy and a girl. this is the earliest, and the styles have changed over time."
Liang’s collection has become well known, and a private exhibition has attracted many visitors.
In Chinese culture, the hongbao is a kind of bridge for relatives and neighbours, as blessings are passed from one to another.
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| Everyone in China loves receiving hongbao, those red envelopes with money inside that are often given to youngsters by their elders during festivals. |
"It always makes one happy to receive a hongbao, whether you care for the money or the hongbao itself." said Liang Qunle, Hongbao Collector.
Simple and small as it is, a hongbao represents the traditional culture of China and the wishes for a better life for Chinese people.
