02/18/2026
What to give and/or what not to give your Sifu 師父 on Chinese New Year...
In the traditional practice of Chinese Martial Arts, it is customary but not compulsory for students to remember their Sifu on Chinese New Year (Your Sifu does not need to be Chinese for this tradition to be observed).
2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse, Chinese New Year's day falls on Tuesday, February 17th. Chinese celebrate this holiday for two weeks.
The common practice of gift-giving is the Red Envelope 紅包/ 利是.
A student can give on his own to the Sifu, or donation can be collected amongst students. The amount of money contained in the envelope usually ends with an even digit, in accordance with Chinese beliefs; for instance 80 and 88, are all lucky numbers. Avoid the odd-numbered, as odd numbers are traditionally associated with funerals. However, the number 4 should be avoided completely as the pronunciation of the word “four” 四 (sì) resembles/sounds like that of the word “death” 死 (sǐ, death) in Cantonese, Mandarin, and Hokien. In other words, any amount, as long as it is an 'even-digit' number except 4.
The money inside the red envelope should always be new and crisp. Folding the money or giving dirty or wrinkled bills is in bad taste. Coins and checks should also be avoided.
When giving your Sifu the red envelope, greet him with the left palm covering the right fist (Bao Quan 抱拳), then use both hands to present the red envelope.
What Not To Give;
-Any sharp object, as it insinuates that you want to cut off your relationship.
There is a Chinese saying that goes "one slash and it's in two parts."
(so, definitely do not give a new pair of Baat Cham Dao)
-Shoes are a bad idea for a present, because the word ‘shoes’ (鞋 xié /syeah/) sounds exactly like the word for bad luck or ‘evil’ (邪 xié).
-Do not give a watch or clock (送钟 sòng zhōng /song jong/) as the word sounds exactly like the words 'funeral ritual' (送终 sòng zhōng). On top of that, clocks and watches also symbolize the passing of time. This is inappropriate especially for an elderly Sifu.
-Do not give pears. The Chinese word for 'pears' (梨 lí /lee/) sounds like the word 'parting' (离 lí).
-Umbrellas are a bad idea too as the word for ‘umbrella’ (伞 sǎn /san/) sounds like the word ‘breaking up’ (散 sàn). Giving somebody an umbrella may insinuate that you feel your relationship with him/her has come to an end.
-Black and White are colours for funerals, so avoid presents that are largely black or white. Red is believed to be the festive and fortunate colour.
If the Red Envelope is not your choice, you can be creative by giving something culturally related, it can be a fountain pen, a Chinese calligraphy scroll, a piece of jade (good luck), a wrapped box of tea or a box of oranges and apple (fortune and luck).
Happy Year of The Fire Horse to all our friends!
