In a traditional Vietnamese wedding, guests may give the newlyweds li xi, red envelopes containing money for good fortune.
Li xi, also written lì xì, is the Vietnamese form of the wider East and Southeast Asian red-envelope tradition. The envelopes are associated with luck, blessings, and prosperity, and the money inside is generally presented as a gift rather than as a fixed ceremonial fee.
At weddings, relatives and friends may give li xi to the couple, often during greetings or the reception. Red is important because it is associated with celebration and favorable fortune in Vietnamese cultural contexts.
Li xi should not be confused with áo dài, the traditional Vietnamese garment often worn at weddings, or nón lá, the conical hat. The amount placed inside can vary widely according to relationship, custom, and circumstances.