The origin of lucky money is in ancient sacrificial activities, which is mainly used to pray for the prosperity of future generations, family security and bumper harvests. Therefore, lucky money was considered as a symbol of good luck in ancient times and was regarded as an item blessed by the gods. From this perspective, the moral of lucky money is to pray for good luck, health and a happy life.
Secondly, lucky money is also a way to educate children. When the elders give the younger generation lucky money, they will tell them some life truths, such as "learn to save" and "be grateful". This is also a way for lucky money to inherit the traditional filial piety spirit of China. Therefore, the implication of lucky money also includes the role of education, guidance and establishing correct values.
The custom change of lucky money
The early lucky money was not for real money, but for symbolic things like money, hoping to play a deterrent role. But later, people gradually strengthened the practical significance of lucky money, so it became a real money.
With the appearance of lucky money given to children by elders during the Chinese New Year, the meaning of lucky money has changed greatly. Since then, the function of "avoiding evil spirits" of lucky money has gradually come to an end, and its new "inspirational" functions such as "making profits", "expanding financial resources" and "rising step by step" have emerged as the times require.
The custom of elders giving lucky money to younger generations is still popular in modern times. Most of these lucky money are used by children to buy books, school supplies and daily necessities, and are taken away by their parents or deposited in the bank. The new fashion has given new content to the lucky money.