Taiwan’s Envelope Tradition: Simple, Symbolic, and Smart

“Can we just give cash?” I asked my husband after days of stressing over what to buy for a wedding gift.

He gave me a look that said absolutely not. In his Western mindset, cash felt impersonal, maybe even rude.

But for Taiwanese people, giving cash is not only acceptable, it is genuinely appreciated. The receiver is not embarrassed to accept the cash, and the giver is not embarrassed to give it. Both sides see it as a sincere and supportive gesture. Whether for weddings, funerals, or other major milestones, cash tucked into a red or white envelope is the standard gift. For example, it is common for grandparents to give red envelopes filled with money when their grandkids ace an exam as a way to encourage continued effort in school. Far from lazy, this tradition is rich in meaning, practicality, and cultural nuance.

The Envelope Says It All

At Taiwanese weddings and funerals, you will not see tables piled with different sizes of gifts. Instead, guests arrive with slim envelopes, red for celebration and white for mourning, each containing a carefully considered amount of cash.

These envelopes are more than convenient. They carry generations of social wisdom, symbolism, and empathy.

Red Envelopes: Celebrating Life

Red envelopes symbolize joy, luck, and prosperity. You will see them at weddings, baby showers, birthdays, and even as rewards for good behavior. But the amount inside follows unwritten rules:

• Even numbers only: Remove the zeros, and the last digit should be even. NT$3600 or NT$6000 are fine. NT$3000 is not.
• Special numbers:
• NT$6600 symbolize smoothness in everything
• NT$8888 brings prosperity
• NT$3600 speaks to love lasting three lifetimes
• Avoid the number 4: It sounds like “death” in Mandarin and is considered unlucky

Even locals sometimes struggle to choose the right amount, but the beauty of red envelopes lies in their flexibility. The recipient can use the money however they need, whether for funding a wedding, furnishing a home, or raising a child.

White Envelopes: Honoring Loss

White envelopes are used at funerals, as white is the traditional color of mourning in Taiwanese culture. The guidelines are different:

• Odd numbers only: Think NT$900, NT$1500, NT$2300
• Keep it modest: The closer you are to the family, the higher the amount, but avoid going overboard. Funerals are not celebrations, and overly generous gifts may cause discomfort or emotional pressure.

While flowers offer beauty, cash helps grieving families manage real costs, from ceremonies to logistics, easing their burden during a difficult time.

Why Cash Works

This tradition continues because it makes sense:

1. It meets real needs
   Life’s major events are expensive. Cash provides immediate and practical support.
2. No guessing games
   There is no need to worry about size, taste, or duplicates. Cash works for everyone.
3. It keeps things fair
   Many families keep a gift ledger to record amounts given and received. This helps maintain balance and reciprocity, not out of obligation but out of respect.
4. It is hassle free
   There is no need for hosts to unwrap, transport, or store piles of presents.

One important tip: always write your name on the envelope or attach a small card. It shows respect and helps the hosts keep track for future occasions. A short message like “Congratulations” or “With deepest sympathy” adds a warm and personal touch.

More Than Money

What makes this custom meaningful is not the amount but the intent. These envelopes are quiet acts of solidarity, passed from one hand to another during life’s happiest and hardest moments. In Taiwan, cash gifts are not just practical. They are heartfelt.