Giving out lucky money at Spring Festival a financ...

Many people in China are finding the tradition of giving out lucky money is becoming a financial burden to them. [File photo: cf8.com.cn]

The exchange of lucky money, given by elder members of a family to the children as a blessing for the New Year, is one of the most important traditions in China to celebrate the lunar New Year.

However, more people, especially youth, in China are finding that the tradition is becoming a financial burden to them as the amount of lucky money they ought to give has increased a lot in recent years.

A survey conducted by China Youth Daily shows that nearly 58 percent of respondents believe that the lucky money has become a burden to them, Chinanews.com reported.

About 20 percent of respondents said they would give at least 100 yuan (around 14.5 USD) as lucky money to each young family member, and the rest said they would give 200 yuan or more.

Nearly 42 percent of the respondents said that the total amount of lucky money they give out each year is about half of their monthly salary or above. 

Many people in China are finding the tradition of giving out lucky money is becoming a financial burden to them. [File photo: qq.com]

Fu Yvmin, who comes from Hunan province and currently works in Beijing, told Chinanews.com reporters that giving out lucky money is indeed a burden for her. 'In my hometown, I have lots of relatives who got married and raised children much earlier than me…the total amount of lucky money I give out will surely exceed 1,000 yuan each year. I have no child, so there is only money given out and none accepted,' said Fu. 

Meanwhile, most of the respondents said that they agree with the fact that lucky money is an important part of Chinese folk culture and it also added to the fun and happy atmosphere of the New Year celebrations. Some respondents said that the exchange of lucky money draws the relationship between relatives closer.

A total of 2001 people, mostly from cities, took part in the online questionnaire.

A man should start giving out lucky money to his nephews and nieces after he reaches the age of marriage, according to tradition in some parts of China.