Year of the Water Tiger – CNY Red Packet

Let’s collectively welcome in the Year of the Water Tiger for the Lunar New Year of 2022!

Printed on a gorgeous Valaris paper with gold hot-stamp finish, lets celebrate the start of a the third year of the 12-year cycle with this beautiful and symbolic red packets which you can gift to your loved ones or keep for collection. This original tiger design is inspired by the ancient practice of Chinese paper cutting. Read the full description for the symbolic meaning of red packets, and the Chinese Zodiac.

• 85mm wide X 170mm tall (vertical design).
• Printed on 160gsm Valaris paper, with gold hot-stamping. (Colours may appear brighter on desktop/mobile screens and due to photography lighting).
• Available in quantities of 4, 8, 12, 24 or 48 in a pack. Also available at larger quantities at bulk prices. Email me for pricing.
• Limited edition print as well as part of a crazy 12-year project! Save at least one red packet in your collection!

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SYMBOLISM

Red Packet / Red Envelope / Money Packet / Ang Pao / Hong Bao

Red packets (or also known as the many names listed above) are traditionally given in Chinese and most East / South-east Asian cultures as monetary gifts for special occasions like weddings, birthdays, the birth of a baby and most importantly during the Lunar New Year. This practice is normally given by parents or elders to young children, however gifting red packets is a form of goodwill so there’s no stopping you from giving to whomever you’d like.

The colour red for the packets symbolise good luck and are symbolic to warding off evil. In modern times, red packets come in all sorts of colours (besides red) and designs. The tradition of giving red packets is a symbolic way for people to share their blessings and to wish good fortune and prosperity for the receiver. Typically, red packets should contain (money) in even numbers except the number 4, which is considered bad luck (8 on the other hand is an auspicious number). When receiving a red packet, do receive it with both hands and be sure to express your gratitude to the giver.

Chinese Zodiac

The Chinese Zodiac is based on a 12-year cycle with each year being represented by a different animal. An ancient mythology* describes that the order of animals in the 12-year cycle was a result of a great race organised by the Jade Emperor – one of the most important gods in traditional Chinese religion.

The order of the zodiac is: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig. In Chinese astrology, each zodiac sign is also associated with one of the five elements — wood, fire, earth, metal, and water – therefore creating five types of each animal with different characteristics.

Do you know your Chinese Zodiac?

The Year of the Water Tiger

The Tiger is the third animal in the Chinese Zodiac that follows the Ox. In the race story, the Rat hopped onto the Ox as it was crossing the river, and jumped off it close to the finish line to come into first place and the Ox coming in second. 

The Tiger, which was fast and competitive, came in exhausted moments later in third place. The Jade Emperor asked the tiger why it was out of breath. The Tiger said that it had to fight the river's forceful current to avoid being pulled downstream. The Jade Emperor praised the Tiger for its determination, power and indomitable spirit.*

(*This story is widespread and varies slightly among Chinese mythology).

The Tiger is representative of strength, bravery, freedom, confidence, and vigor. People born in the year of the Tiger are known to be enthusiastic, ambitious, independent, and have strong self-esteem.

You are born in the year of the Tiger if you were born in 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022.

2022 is the Year of the Water Tiger and is also the year of transformation and stepping into our power. This year the Lunar New Year falls on Friday February 1st.