The amount of money contained in the red envelope (红包）usually ends with an even digit, in accordance with Chinese beliefs. 88 and 168 are both lucky numbers.
Do not give odd-numbered money gifts are traditionally associated with funerals.
Money should not be given in fours, or the number four should not appear in the amount, as the pronunciation of the word "four" resembles that of the word "death", and it signifies bad luck for many Chinese.
压岁钱, meaning "money warding off evil spirits", and was believed to protect the elderly from sickness and death. While at weddings, the amount offered is usually intended to cover the cost of the attendees as well as a goodwill to the newly weds.
'Lai See' is what it is called in Hong Kong. They are small red and gold envelopes containing money and are given at Chinese New Year. The envelopes must be red and gold as these signify prosperity and good luck.
