TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — As Lunar New Year 2026 approaches, Taiwanese families are revisiting red envelope customs, with guides outlining how much to give, which numbers to avoid, and what etiquette still matters.

Cosmopolitan Taiwan reported that red envelopes are traditionally given by elders to children as lucky money and by adult children to parents and grandparents as a sign of respect. The general principle remains that elders receive larger amounts, while younger family members receive smaller but symbolic sums.

Commonly accepted red envelope amounts include NT$600 (US$19), NT$1,200, NT$2,200, and NT$3,600, which are widely viewed as safe and appropriate choices, according to Business Today. Higher amounts are usually reserved for parents and grandparents, while smaller sums are more common for nieces, nephews, and friends’ children.

Certain numbers are widely avoided due to negative cultural associations, especially those containing the number “four,” which sounds like “death” in Chinese. Amounts ending in odd numbers are also discouraged because they are traditionally linked to funerals, per Storm Media.

Etiquette beyond the amount is also considered important. Using crisp new banknotes is believed to symbolize a fresh start for the year, while reusing old red envelopes is thought to pass along past luck.

Another commonly noted custom is leaving red envelopes unsealed, which is said to allow good fortune to flow freely rather than limiting it to a single gift. These practices reflect how tradition is being simplified but still respected in many modern households.