In Japan, there is a culture of giving money in envelopes. This custom is common in weddings, year-end celebrations, New Year, gratitude, and also among relatives, friends, and children. These special envelopes are called Kinpuu (金封) or noshibukuro (のし袋). These envelopes can usually be found in markets, stationery stores, konbini, and other shops. You can find everything from cheap envelopes to some that cost over 500 reais.
In this article, we will see more about this traditional culture of giving envelopes that are decorated with a string or bow called a mizuhiki, beautiful art and writing, as well as symbolic folds such as longevity and protection (awabi).
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Occasions for handing over the cash envelope
There are types of envelopes for each occasion, below we will see what each occasion is called, its meaning and what type of envelope we should deliver on that occasion:
Gokekkon iwai (ご結婚祝い) or Goshuugi (ご祝儀) – Envelope given at weddings as a gift and blessings for the wedding. For couples who are about to become parents, they usually receive an envelope as a thank you, the occasion is called Shussan iwai.
Otoshidama (お年玉) – In the New Year, parents and other relatives usually give money in envelopes to children. Nyuugaku iwai it is the occasion where parents and relatives deliver envelopes to their children on the first day of school. Sotsugyou iwai it is when a stage of school ends as in elementary and high school.
At the end of the year (Oseibo) in December, as a form of gratitude for someone, you give them a kinpuu. When a friend is sick (Omimai), or in the case of passing away (Gokoden), you can also give a money envelope, thus showing your compassion. On any occasion, in the case of a favor (Orei), you can present a gift to that person.
Types and parts of kinpuu or noshibukuro
The traditional cash envelope usually has the name of the person delivering it and the amount offered. Plus they are tied in a way and color that indicates their purpose. Gold and silver threads are used for weddings, white and red for happy occasions, white and black for sad occasions like death.
In the first image (top left) we have a type of bow called Hana musubi. It is often used in envelopes given to couples who have had a baby and children who have entered a new school.
The second image (top right) has an impossible knot called musubi-kiri. This knot is found on envelopes that are presented at weddings or funerals.
The third image shows a knot called Awaji musubi. This knot represents a long and good relationship between people and can be used on happy or sad occasions.
There are several other types of bows, shapes and decorations involving flowers and other elements of Japanese culture. What did you think of the tradition of handing out money in envelopes? Have you ever received or gifted someone?