<P> The act of asking for red packets is normally called (Mandarin): 讨 紅包 tǎo - hóngbāo, 要 利 是 or (Cantonese): 逗 利 是 . A married person would not turn down such a request as it would mean that he or she would be "out of luck" in the new year . Red packets are generally given by established married couples to the younger non-married children of the family . It is custom and polite for children to wish elders a happy new year and a year of happiness, health and good fortune before accepting the red envelope . Red envelopes are then kept under the pillow and slept on for seven nights after Chinese New Year before opening because that symbolizes good luck and fortune . </P> <P> In Taiwan in 2000s, some employers also gave red packets as a bonus to maids, nurses or domestic workers from Southeast Asian countries, although whether this is appropriate is controversial . </P> <P> The Japanese have a similar tradition of giving money during the New Year, called Otoshidama . </P> <P> In addition to red envelopes, which are usually given from older people to younger people, small gifts (usually food or sweets) are also exchanged between friends or relatives (of different households) during Chinese New Year . Gifts are usually brought when visiting friends or relatives at their homes . Common gifts include fruits (typically oranges, and never pears), cakes, biscuits, chocolates, and candies . </P>

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