Informative Speech On Red Envelopes

I. Intro

A) [Attention Getter]
From generations to generations, as families continue to adapt to rapid changes and norms provided by our dynamic society, traditions are usually forgotten and their meanings lost. Although the idea itself still exists among its own reasons, the practice behind it has probably undergone a climatic evolution. The Chinese tradition of “Red Envelopes” which is normally handed out during the Lunar New Year is proof of such a tradition.

B) [Revealed Object and Speaker Credibility]
The Red Envelope is practiced amongst many Asian Communities as a gift presented during the Lunar New Year, holidays, or special occasions such as weddings, graduations, the birth of a newborn baby, or gatherings. It is normally in the
Body

A) [Culture Object Represents]
It is believed to be that the red envelope’s origins can be traced back to China during the approximate events that occurred in Qin Dynasty which lasted from 221 to 206 BC. 1 1. The gifting of Red Envelopes dates back to the ancient tradition of celebrating the Chinese Lunar New Year. Although there is some debate circling around the origins of the red envelope and how money was introduced to the tradition, legend has it that a young orphan who used a magical sabre defeated a renowned demon who was wreaking havoc in the nearby villages of Chain-Chieu. To declare the respect and appreciation the villagers had for the young orphan, the elders would present the man a red envelope containing gifts, or in this case money.

A different case of the legend is proposed in other historical documents, stating that citizens of China used to glue red-paper couplets onto their home exterior, often their doors as a fearful attempt to scare the legendary Nien, a mythical beast that devoured people on the day of the Lunar New Year. In other documents, it is also said that the elderly would carry on the tradition of providing children with a handful of coins, but that proved to be too difficult a task to which came the idea of handing out money
Red Envelopes can be experienced by anyone, in China it is common to present gifts of cash to offer during certain ceremonies. The color red represents luck. They are usually given out to the younger generations as means of providing them with a flourishing future and a healthy life. In some cases, employers would gift their workers with a red envelope filled with a bonus as the end of the year approaches. The tradition can also be experienced during family gatherings, where most members of the family hand out the envelopes as a sign of respect and wish the person well. The Red Envelope is typically exchanged from one person to the other using both hands. They often contain an even number, sometimes associated with the number 8, as it is believed to be a lucky number to the Chinese. When receiving the envelope, it is crucial that you are patient before revealing the contents of the gift until the person who gave it to you is nowhere to be found. It is considered that opening the red envelope while the giver is still around is rude and serves to disrespect the manners involving the receiver and their