Everyday Life
Why avoid casually picking up a roadside red envelope?
English translation draft · Based on the Chinese article. This is not a word-for-word translation approved by Master Shengyuan.
Do not open an unknown roadside envelope through curiosity or desire for money. Hair or nails inside may indicate folk purposes. If unclear, police can be asked to assist.
In religious service I discussed a client finding an envelope containing hair, nails, and birth information connected with spirit marriage. The specific practice of the woman's family waiting nearby, however, was heard from elders, not personally experienced. Keep those accounts distinct.
We also relayed another folk teacher's explanation of envelopes intended to transfer misfortune. This was a faith account discussed, not knowledge of every envelope's source or purpose. Nor can all envelopes be classified as spirit marriage.
A child's New Year envelope accidentally dropped at home is different. Caution depends on source and context. Envelopes themselves need not all be imagined as bringing adversity.