Taiwan Lunar New Year Guide: No "Giving" Red Envelopes in Taiwan Let the Mice Run on the Third Day

Reverse Red Envelope Tradition Good Fortune in Pairs Principle

In Taiwan, red envelopes are not given out; instead, they are typically given to children by their parents or relatives. Moreover, there's a "reverse" tradition where children give red envelopes to their parents to express gratitude for their upbringing, usually distributed after the reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve. This money serves to ward off evil spirits, which is why it’s typically given out by the second day of the New Year, unlike in Hong Kong, where it can continue until the Lantern Festival. Additionally, while red envelopes in Taiwan are traditionally red, there may occasionally be golden ones, whereas in Hong Kong, they come in various colors, including pink, gold, and purple.

In Taiwan, red envelopes are given by children to their parents to express their gratitude for being raised.

When it comes to the amounts, Taiwan adheres to the principle of "good fortune in pairs," preferring even numbers. Common amounts include NT$1,600, NT$2,200, NT$2,600, NT$3,600, NT$6,000, and NT$6,600, as these are considered auspicious. Conversely, amounts like NT$1,500, NT$5,000, and NT$7,000 are seen as inauspicious. Because red envelopes are usually substantial, older generations do not hand them out casually; typically, those who have graduated from university and secured a job, even if unmarried, will not receive them.

Shopping for New Year Goods at Dihua Street

Dihua Street is a traditional place to buy New Year's goods.

In addition to exchanging new bills for red envelopes, preparing for the New Year is essential. While people in Hong Kong frequent go to the night markets, those in Taiwan flock to Dihua Street for a bustling New Year goods market. This area is especially famous for wholesale dried goods, Chinese medicine, and fabrics. Unlike Hong Kong, Dihua Street's market does not feature floral stalls or zodiac-themed items; instead, it sells a variety of dried meats, candies, pastries, and snacks, resembling a night market atmosphere but with a strong festive spirit. Nearby attractions like Dadaocheng Wharf allow for a pleasant bike ride along the riverside.

Creative spring couplets and new year cards.

On New Year’s Eve, Taiwanese people hold ancestor worship and pay respects to the earth god. The reunion dinner features auspicious dishes, including chicken (representing family unity), Chinese chives (symbolizing longevity), radishes (representing good fortune), and rice cakes (for a sweet and prosperous year). After distributing red envelopes, families stay up to welcome the New Year, often staying awake until the clock strikes midnight.

The food stalls in Dihua Street were packed with customers. Pork jerky is very popular. Dihua Street

Transportation: from MRT Daqiaotou Station approximately a 8-minute walk, or Beimen station approximately a 8-minute walk

Website: https://www.travel.taipei/zh-tw/attraction/details/1541 or https://www.facebook.com/DihuaHerbalStreet/

Spring Outings on New Year’s Day

On the first day of the New Year, after visiting temples, people begin to "walking spring" （走春） , visiting friends and neighbours to exchange New Year greetings. Since the term for "walking spring" sounds like "surplus" in Hokkien, the more you visit, the more wealth you are believed to attract. Nowadays, "walking spring" has become synonymous with taking vacations and exploring with friends, as skipping it feels like missing out on a meaningful tradition.

During Chinese New Year, you can ride the small train to Alishan for cherry blossom views. （ Source: Alishan Forestry Railway and Cultural Heritage Management Office ）

If starting from the northern "garden" of Yilan, popular spots include Jiaoxi hot springs, the cypress trees at Mingchi Forest Recreation Area, and Turtle Island. Heading south to Hualien, you can visit the famous Qixingtan and Taroko Gorge, as well as family-friendly spots like Farglory Ocean Park and Dongdamen Night Market. In Chiayi, ride the small train to Alishan for cherry blossom views. In Kaohsiung , you can also see the first horizontal rotating bridge in Taiwan.

In Kaohsiung , you can also see the first horizontal rotating bridge in Taiwan.( Source ： https://www.taiwan.net.tw/ )

As you reach the third day of the New Year, known as "Mouse Wedding Day" （ 老鼠娶親日） , it’s customary to sleep early and get up late to avoid disturbing the mice. People also sprinkle rice, salt, and pastries in corners of their homes, symbolizing sharing the harvest with the mice in the new year. The fourth day is for receiving the gods, lighting lamps, and marking the start of the new year. The Lunar New Year festivities conclude on the fifth day, and workers must get back to their routines!