Red packets, a synonym for money in Chinese culture, originally referred to money sent to children on the first day of Lunar New Year. The money is called ya sui qian, or lucky money. In traditional Chinese culture, it was believed that children were vulnerable to evil spirits and children could use money to bribe those spirits to stay safe and live long. So people took giving children money as a blessing.

　　在中国文化中，红包和钱是同义词，起初，它是指新年第一天送给孩子的钱。这种钱并称为“压岁钱”或者是幸运钱。中国传统文化认为，孩子很易受到恶灵的伤害，孩子可以用这些钱贿赂这些恶灵，以保健康和长寿。所以人们把给孩子钱当作一种祝福。

　　The earliest lucky money appeared in the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD). During that period lucky money was not everyday currency but was made of coins pressed with auspicious characters and animals.

　　最早的幸运钱出现在汉朝。那时的幸运钱不是每天流通的货币，而是由刻有吉祥汉字和动物的银币做成的。

　　In the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), there were two kinds of "red packets". One had coins attached with red strings and was put at the foot of children’s beds. The other was more like modern red packets.

　　明清时期有两种“红包”。一种红包是系有红线的硬币，放在孩子的被窝里。一种和现代的红包更为详细。

　　Later, red packets gradually became a means of giving money that could be sent to anyone, apart from children.

　　随后，除了孩子外，红包渐渐成为一种可以送给任何人钱的手段。

　　As Confucius’ idea of filial piety is still deeply rooted in Chinese people’s minds, people will also send red packets to their parents during Chinese New Year or on other special festivals and anniversaries.

　　由于孔子孝道的思想仍然深深根植于中国人的思想。中国人在春节或者其他特殊节日和纪念日里，仍会给父母红包。(爱语吧)