How to Send Money this Lunar New Year

The Lunar New Year is a joyous and culturally rich celebration that brings millions of families and friends together worldwide. It’s a time to honor cherished traditions, share blessings, and wish prosperity for the year ahead. 

One of the most meaningful customs of the season is sending money as a symbol of good luck and support. By using Ria Money Transfer, you can participate in this heartfelt tradition and ensure your loved ones receive your blessings in time for their Lunar New Year festivities.

What is Lunar New Year?

Lunar New Year is one of the most significant holidays across many Asian cultures, including China, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines. It marks the beginning of a new year based on the lunar calendar, falling between late January and early February. In 2025, Lunar New Year begins on Saturday, February 1.

Nearly one-fifth of the world’s population celebrates Lunar New Year to mark the start of a new lunar cycle. Traditions tied to the holiday vary widely across countries. Festivities often last from three days to over two weeks, and the holiday emphasizes family reunions, special meals, and customs aimed at attracting good fortune for the year ahead.

A particularly meaningful tradition is the giving of money as a symbol of good luck and prosperity. Sending remittances during this time is a thoughtful way to stay connected and show your loved ones that you’re thinking of them, even from afar.

The Tradition of the Red Envelope

One of the most iconic Lunar New Year customs is the exchange of red envelopes, known as lai see in Cantonese or hồng bào in Mandarin. Elders typically give red envelopes, often decorated with gold lettering or motifs, to children or younger relatives as symbols of good fortune.

The amount inside varies depending on the recipient, ranging from a few dollars for children to more substantial sums for adults. Regardless of the amount, the act of giving represents blessings for health, wealth, and longevity in the coming year.

If you’re living abroad, sending remittances digitally can help you honor this cherished tradition. 

Send Money this Lunar New Year with Ria

With Ria Money Transfer, you can trust that your lucky money will be delivered right on time for the new year. Download the Ria app and get started today. 

You can also send in-person at one of our many locations across the globe. We offer a variety of payment options like cash, bank, or debit/credit card to make sure it’s convenient to send.

We also have a variety of delivery methods. Depending on location, money can be picked up at our expansive list of Ria stores and partner locations. It can also be delivered directly to a mobile wallet, bank account or even your recipient’s home.

Other Lunar New Year Traditions

People celebrate the Lunar New Year with unique customs that vary across cultures but consistently emphasize renewal and prosperity. Here’s a closer look at some of the most cherished traditions:

Reunion Dinners

The reunion dinner is often the most anticipated event of Lunar New Year’s Eve. Families, sometimes traveling from great distances, gather around a table to enjoy a lavish feast. Families commonly serve traditional dishes like dumplings (resembling gold ingots and symbolizing wealth), whole fish (representing abundance), and rice cakes (signifying growth and prosperity) during reunion dinners. This meal is a time to reflect on the past year and look forward to new beginnings.

Lion and Dragon Dances

These captivating performances are a highlight of Lunar New Year celebrations. Skilled dancers perform the lion dance inside a lion costume, chasing away evil spirits and bringing good luck. Similarly, dragon dances feature long, undulating dragon costumes supported by multiple performers. The vibrant colors, synchronized movements, and rhythmic drumming create a lively spectacle that embodies prosperity and energy.

Cleaning the House

In the days leading up to Lunar New Year, families engage in a thorough cleaning of their homes. This tradition, known as “sweeping away the dust,” symbolizes removing bad luck from the previous year and making way for good fortune. Families avoid cleaning once the new year begins to ensure they don’t sweep away the good luck that has arrived.

Wearing Red

Red is the color of joy, prosperity, and protection in many Asian cultures. During Lunar New Year, people dress in red clothing, decorate their homes with red lanterns, and hang red paper couplets with auspicious phrases. People wear the vibrant hue to ward off bad luck and bring happiness and success.

Fireworks and Firecrackers

Lunar New Year celebrations often feature dazzling displays of fireworks and the loud crackling of firecrackers. These are believed to scare away evil spirits and ensure a fresh, auspicious start to the year. The tradition dates back to ancient times and remains a beloved aspect of the festivities.

Festivals and Parades

Communities often host public events such as parades, cultural performances, and festivals. These gatherings showcase traditional music, dance, and arts, allowing participants to share in the joy and heritage of the season. Markets bustling with vendors selling festive goods, decorations, and traditional foods add to the lively atmosphere.

Exchange of Good Wishes

During Lunar New Year, it’s customary to exchange greetings and blessings for the year ahead. Phrases like “Gong Xi Fa Cai” (Mandarin) or “Gung Hay Fat Choy” (Cantonese) convey wishes for prosperity and happiness. These greetings are often accompanied by small gifts or tokens of goodwill.

By embracing these customs, families and communities create a meaningful and vibrant celebration that honors the past while looking forward to a prosperous future.