In Vietnam, Tet is considered the most important event of the year. During this time, everyone will gather together and reunite with their family after a year of hard work. Traditionally, at this period of time, the Vietnamese have a meaningful custom, called "lucky money".
In this custom, children will receive a monetary gift, which is put into a red envelope, from older people, to celebrate their new age. Moreover, adults also offer these “lucky money” to their parents to celebrate the age and show their respect.
Lucky money has become a very unique and meaningful custom, and the red envelops - or lucky bags are the spiritual symbol of the custom. In order to strengthen the meaning as well as the beauty of the red envelopes, I have included and drawn inspiration from the image of the four-picture painting in Vietnamese folklore culture. The painting contains 4 images of 4 different kinds of bird: Dieu (Swallow), Cong (Peacock), Ke (Rooster) and Hac (Crane) and 4 different kinds of plant: Dao (Peach Blossom), Truc (Bamboo), Cuc (Chrysanthemum) and Tung ( Cedrus tree), each representing 4 seasons of the year. This combination means a wish of a year of prosperity and this prosperity is, during the best time of the year, given to those who are dearest.
Traditional but equally modern, formal but joyful, colourful but meaningful, that is what I desire to bring in this set of lucky red envelopes, inspired by the 4-season painting.
Thanks for your watching!
