The United States Bureau of Engraving and Printing has released its latest addition to the so-called "Lucky Money" collection in the form of a special dollar bill to celebrate the upcoming Lunar New Year.
The bill is part of the collection called the "$1 Year of the Pig 2019" and comes in a red envelope or red packet that is typically given during special Chinese occasions, particularly at the Spring Festival. It features a one dollar Federal Reserve note with the serial number 8888, which is considered lucky because they look like infinity symbols. Meanwhile, the Pig is seen as a symbol of wealth, luck, and abundance. The year of the pig starts on February 5, 2019, and is the twelfth zodiac sign in the Chinese calendar's 12-year cycle.
According to China Highlights, 8888 is a sign for fortune, 777 is for luck, and 168 is for prosperity. Meanwhile, red is a symbol of happiness and energy. Meanwhile, the red envelopes are never without money inside in China and are usually given to kids from their grandparents as gifts for the Chinese New Year. Called lai see in Cantonese and hongbao in Mandarin, their actual value is in the red paper, not so much in the money that is inside, as wrapping lucky cash in a red envelope is believed to bring good fortune to those who receive them. Take note that it isn't polite to open the packet in front of the giver.
The red envelopes are also expected to contain new bills, because putting old ones inside is considered bad taste, and coins are frowned upon. It is also not all right to place bills in the "4" denominations because the number 4 is considered bad luck.
The Bureau prints its version of the lucky money on an annual basis to recognize China's impact on American culture, writes CGTN. It is also in conjunction with Chinese beliefs of giving new money in the New Year for prosperity and blessings. The printing project started in 2000 and the Bureau is its sole producer. For 2019, it will produce only 108,888 pieces and sell them for US$5.95 each.
