Chinese Funeral Money Envelopes: Bai Jin and Etiquette

Diterbitkan oleh Anthony
pada November 14, 2026

Learn how to give condolence money at a Chinese wake, what to write on the white envelope, and why some families in Hong Kong and Singapore choose odd amounts.

Quick Answer: What Is a Chinese Funeral Money Envelope?

A Chinese funeral money envelope holds condolence money (帛金, bójīn) for the bereaved family. In Singapore the gift is also known as bai jin (白金, báijīn). It offers sympathy and can help with funeral expenses.^[1][2]

Envelope. A plain white envelope is customary in many Chinese wakes.^[1][2]
Amount. Choose an amount you can afford and follow any local or family custom. Some Hong Kong families add one dollar to a round amount.^[2][3]
Handoff. Give it to the person designated by the family or to the reception table if one is set up.^[2][4]

Follow the funeral notice if the family declines gifts or names a charity.

Chinese funeral money envelopes and the white return packet

At a wake, a small white envelope can travel in either direction. A guest brings money to help the family. In some Hong Kong households, the family also hands guests a separate token of thanks. Knowing who is giving the packet tells you which gesture it represents.^[1][2][5]

What Goes in the Envelope and Where to Give It

Put cash in a plain white envelope and add your name so the family can identify the gift. In Taiwan, the condolence gift is called a white packet (白包, báibāo), pronounced pe̍h-pau in Taiwanese. A Hong Kong funeral hall may provide an envelope printed with 奠儀 (diànyí), a label for a condolence offering. The printed words identify the purpose of the envelope.^[1][2][6]

At a wake with a reception table, hand the envelope to the person receiving contributions. If colleagues are giving together, use the agreed group name so the family can acknowledge it. If the family requests another gesture, follow its notice. A condolence wreath is another option where flowers are welcome.^[1][4]

How Much Condolence Money to Give

In a Hong Kong convention, a round sum plus one dollar gives a figure such as HK$101 or HK$501. The odd ending distinguishes a mourning gift from the paired numbers associated with happy occasions. The extra dollar can also correspond to the coin in the family’s return gift.^[2][3]

In Singapore, some givers choose an odd amount such as S$31 or S$51. Others give a round figure. A coworker organizing a contribution can confirm what the group plans to give. You can follow the family’s number convention within the amount you can afford.^[4]

What Funeral Gifts and Ledgers Tell Us

A nineteenth-century letter quoted in a Hong Kong study describes donations expected to cover costs in Beijing and transport of the coffin south, with the remainder to support the children of the deceased.^[2]

In a documented Shandong village, a funeral ledger (吊簿, diàobù) recorded practical and ceremonial gifts by donor. The entries helped the household keep track of exchanges with relatives and neighbours. Such records show how neighbourhood and family mutual aid could extend beyond the day of the funeral.^[7]

FAQs About Chinese Funeral Money Envelopes

What do I write on a white funeral envelope?

Your name is the useful part. You can include a short message such as “With deepest sympathy.” If the funeral hall has supplied a printed envelope, leave its condolence label in place.^[2][4]

Is the white packet I receive at the wake the same gift?

In a Hong Kong tradition, a return packet (吉儀, jíyí) comes from the family. It may contain a sweet, a tissue and a coin. The condolence envelope comes from the visitor and helps support the bereaved.^[2][5]