Generally, the Hakka people give red envelopes when building a stove.
1. Traditional customs
Red envelopes are a symbol of good luck and fortune in Chinese traditional culture. The custom of giving red envelopes has been passed down for a long time in China. Therefore, in the construction industry, giving red envelopes to workers has become a common practice. People use this way to express respect and gratitude to the workers and to wish for smooth and safe construction.
2. Expressing gratitude
During the process of building a stove, the workers need to put in a certain amount of labor and energy. To achieve the expected results, they need to measure, cut, and install repeatedly, which requires some skills and patience. Therefore, giving red envelopes is also a way to express gratitude for their service.
How much red envelope should be given when building a stove?
The amount of red envelope depends on local customs. When building a stove, two people should give red envelopes. The amount is usually 88 yuan, which symbolizes good luck. Using lucky numbers to give red envelopes implies that everyone will prosper. Since the stove is a place for cooking, it is essential to eat well, symbolizing a happy family and full happiness.
1. In ancient times, making a stove was very meticulous, with certain rules regarding its height, width, and size. The dimensions of the stove should be odd numbers. The length is seven feet and nine inches, symbolizing the seven stars of the Big Dipper hanging high in the sky, with blessings shining upon it; the ground represents the vast land of the nine provinces. The width is four feet and five inches, symbolizing the five lakes and four seas, possessing all things in the world. The height is one foot and two inches, symbolizing the twelve months of the year, each month having a stove for cooking.
2. The materials used for building the stove have their own requirements. It must use new soil or new materials from five inches underground, and then mix it with well water and pig liver powder to make the mud, which is considered auspicious.
3. Making a stove is forbidden on certain days. In the first, fifth, and ninth months, making a stove is forbidden on the day of Ding Mao; in the second, sixth, and tenth months, making a stove is forbidden on the day of Jia Zi; in the third, seventh, and eleventh months, making a stove is forbidden on the day of Gui You; in the fourth, eighth, and twelfth months, making a stove is forbidden on the day of Geng Wu.
