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A Hong Kong bank teller displays crisp new banknotes for customers eager to prepare their Chinese Lunar New Year gifts. In cities like Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong, residents have been lining up at banks to exchange for small fresh notes, ready to hand out “lai see”— the Cantonese term for red envelopes — during the upcoming Spring Festival. One of China’s most enduring traditions, the custom extends far beyond family circles. In addition to relatives, it is common for Cantonese people to give “lai see” to friends, employees, and various service workers — from waitstaff, security guards, and cleaners to taxi drivers and shop attendants — as a gesture of thanks and goodwill. The sums placed inside are usually modest, typically between 5 and 20 yuan. Through these small, symbolic gifts, the age-old ritual strengthens social bonds and spreads seasonal warmth across the community.  China News Service