Kinpuu and noshibukuro - Money envelopes in Japan

In Japan, there is a culture of giving money inside envelopes. This custom is common at weddings, year-end, New Year, gratitude, and also among relatives, friends, and children. These special envelopes are called Kinpuu (金封) or noshibukuro (のし袋). These envelopes can usually be found in markets, stationery stores, konbini, and other shops. You can find envelopes ranging from cheap ones to some that cost more than 500 reais.

In this article, we will learn more about this traditional culture of giving envelopes that are decorated with a cord or bow called mizuhiki, a beautiful art and writing, as well as symbolic folds representing longevity and protection (awabi).

Occasions for Giving Money Envelopes

There are types of envelopes for each occasion; below we will see what each occasion is called, its meaning, and what type of envelope we should give for that occasion:

Gokekkon iwai (ご結婚祝い) or Goshuugi (ご祝儀) – Envelope given at weddings as a gift and blessings for the marriage. For couples who are about to become parents, they usually receive an envelope as a thank you; the occasion is called Shussan iwai.

Otoshidama (お年玉) – On New Year, parents and other relatives usually give money in an envelope to children. Nyuugaku iwai is the occasion when parents and relatives give envelopes to children on the first day of school. Sotsugyou iwai is when a school stage ends, such as in elementary and high school.

At the end of the year (Oseibo) in December, as a form of gratitude to a person, you gift them with a kinpuu. When a friend is ill (Omimai), or in the case of death (Gokoden), you can also give a money envelope, thus showing your compassion. On any occasion, in the case of a favor (Orei), you can gift that person.

Types and Parts of Kinpuu or Noshibukuro

The traditional money envelope usually has the name of the giver and the amount offered. In addition, they are tied in a way and color that indicate their purpose. Gold and silver threads are used for weddings, white and red for happy occasions, and white and black for sad occasions such as deaths.

In the first image (top left), we have a type of knot called Hana musubi. It is usually used in envelopes given to couples who have had a baby and children who have entered a new school.

The second image (top right) features an impossible-to-untie knot called musubi-kiri. This knot is found in envelopes that are gifted at weddings or funerals.

The third image shows a knot called Awaji musubi. This knot represents a long and good relationship between people and can be used on happy or sad occasions.

There are many other types of knots, shapes, and decorations involving flowers and other elements of Japanese culture. What do you think of the tradition of giving money in envelopes? Have you ever received or gifted someone?