Free Printable Red Money Envelopes—Chinese New Year Horse

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What Are Red Money Envelopes?

On New Year’s Eve, the Chinese red envelope is filled with money and given to friends and family to wish them good luck for the year ahead.

Our take on traditional red envelopes (red packets) is a nod to rich Chinese culture and a way to participate in a beloved tradition.

The designs include a gold version of our Free Printable Build A Horse, as well as the Chinese characters 恭禧發財, which mean Gōng xǐ fā cái, or, in English, to wish prosperity and fortune.

The envelopes (or “hong bao”) are not just an ornate red pocket of paper; they carry good luck and ward off evil spirits. They are adorned with auspicious symbols and phrases deeply rooted in tradition.

Lucky Red

The red paper is actually more important than the lucky money inside! The color red symbolizes happiness and good luck.

The tradition of red envelopes is one of the oldest stories of the Chinese New Year, where the demon Sui haunted sleeping children.

On Chinese New Year’s Eve, the parents gave their son eight coins to protect him. Although he fell asleep, the coins, which were the Eight Immortals in disguise, emitted a bright light that repelled the huge demon.

These envelopes symbolize those protective coins, which are sometimes called ‘yasui qian’, meaning “suppressing Sui money.”

In recent years, digital red envelopes have become popular, but the money given is still very real—a modern tradition for the digital age! They are a great way to still give a red packet when you cannot give a traditional one.

Year of the Horse

The Chinese New Year and the Year of the Horse begin on 17 February 2026 and end on 3 March 2026 with the Lantern Festival.

Your Chinese zodiac is Horse if you were born in one of these years: 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2001, 2014, and 2026.

We have shared Chinese New Year Printables since the Year of the Monkey in 2016. These printables are updated annually to reflect that year’s zodiac animal.

They include Chinese New Year Firecrackers, a fun (and safe) paper craft, Paper Hand Fans, which make lovely decorations, and Chinese New Year Bingo to play with friends and family.

If you are planning a party or Chinese Banquet, be sure to take a look at these 50+ Delicious Recipes for Chinese New Year!

Legend of the Horse

One day, the Jade Emperor announced that the zodiac order would be decided by the order in which the animals arrived at his gathering.

During the great race, the horse showed strength, speed, and determination. Galloping across land and water, it surged ahead of many other animals, confident it would secure a strong position near the finish.

Just as the horse approached the end, the snake—hidden on its hoof—suddenly revealed itself, startling the horse and slipping ahead at the last second. As a result, the horse crossed the finish line in seventh place.

Despite this surprise, the horse earned its place in the zodiac as a symbol of freedom, energy, and perseverance.

As the seventh sign of the Chinese zodiac, the horse represents independence, confidence, and an adventurous spirit.

Who Do You Give A Red Packet To?

While the ancient story of the red envelope tradition is focused on young children, the envelopes can be given to anyone you know, from immediate and extended family and friends to acquaintances, work colleagues, and employees.

What differs is the amount of money that goes into the red pockets for the receiver.

Children and non-working young adults give their parents and grandparents good wishes, and in return, they gift red money envelopes to the younger generation, wishing them good fortune and good luck.

How Much Money Do I Put In?

Giving old money is considered bad taste, so it is customary to include new bills. In the run-up to the new year, you will see long lines at banks where people exchange their crumpled old bills for crisp bills.

The amount of money should reflect your relationship with the recipient and your financial ability. Remember, it’s more about the sentiment than giving a lot of money! 

Traditionally, you always add 100CN¥ / $20 / £10 for your children (up to any amount you like). For other children, like friends and colleagues, it would be 20-50CN¥ / $5-10 / £2-5. 

For older relatives, you always add 500-2000CN¥ / $100-300 / £55-220, while for young adult children in your family who aren’t working/still in school, you would always give 50-200CN¥ / $10-30 / £5-20

Stick to Even Numbers

According to Chinese beliefs, the money you put in should end in an even digit. Even numbers, except four, are better than odd.

However, the number four should not appear in amounts of money, such as 40, 400, or 444—the word “four” in Chinese sounds like “death” and is considered very bad luck.

Instead, place amounts that start or end with the number eight for enhanced luck.

When Do You Give Red Money Envelopes?

Red packets are handed out during the 16 days of the Spring Festival of Chinese New Year (or Lunar New Year, as celebrated in other Asian communities). This can be on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day.

They are given and received with both hands; it is impolite to do otherwise. You should always thank the giver and greet them with auspicious phrases; the most common is Gong hei fat choy (Cantonese), which wishes prosperity and happiness.

Open Privately

It is also worth noting that you should never open the envelope in front of the person who gave it to you. You should do so privately, at home, or elsewhere.

The Chinese tradition of giving red envelopes is not only for the new year but also for other special occasions, such as a baby shower or a birthday party, and, of course, at Chinese weddings. 

Money envelopes can also be given at funerals, but they are white (the color for mourning and death, and worn at Chinese funerals) and are offerings to the spirits of the deceased.

How To Make Red Money Envelopes

• Print as many red envelope templates as you need onto good-quality (120 gsm/30 lb) thick paper or thin card, and cut them out.
• Score along the lines and fold the flaps towards the back, as shown in the image below.
• Fix with a little bit of roller glue or double-sided tape.
• Add some paper money, fold the final flap down, seal it with some tape, or just slot it into place.