finews.asia presents the 2024 catalog of red packets from the region’s top private banks. This Lunar New Year, the zodiac animal featured is arguably the most prominent symbol in Chinese culture: the dragon.
The origins of the dragon in China date back beyond ancient history. According to historians, dragon-like motifs could be found on neolithic artifacts in northeastern China as early as 6200 BC. It is no wonder that the mythical creature would be prominently featured in Chinese culture, from the symbolization of imperial power to the showcasing of martial arts in pop culture.
The same can be applied to the Chinese zodiac, a classification scheme that organizes the lunar calendar into a 12-year cycle based on 12 different animals.
«Great Race»
According to the ancient folk story, the order of the 12-year cycle was determined by a so-called «Great Race» between 13 animals (the cat was the thirteenth animal that drowned and failed to be part of the zodiac). Despite its airborne capabilities, the dragon fell to fifth place because it took two breaks to bring rain to a village and to save a rabbit that would eventually take fourth place.
On February 10, we will officially enter the Year of the Dragon. The legendary animal will be spotted in various festivities, most notably in the established practice of giving red packets with money inside. In keeping with tradition, finews.asia will once again review the red packets – also known as «lai sees» – from the region's top private banks.
UBS Global Wealth Management
The lai sees of Asia’s largest private bank features an auspicious dragon in mid-flight to signify wishes to soar to new heights. The scales are mixed with crimson and gilded hues to represent prosperity and wealth. Interestingly, the first Chinese character used for the term auspicious dragon (瑞龍) is also the first of two characters for Switzerland as well as the first character of the bank’s name in Chinese.
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