What does this Chinese symbol mean? Red packet - prosperity? When can you use it?

Problem
I had a red packet and wanted to know the meaning. My first thought was to take it to an event attended by some speakers of Chinese (nowadays meaning Mandarin) but the symbols are common to speakers of Chinese dialects as well as Japanese speakers.

I realised it was not necessary to carry the packet and risking damaging it or losing it. I could take a photo.

The packet is red. The Chinese like red, especially for red packets containing money.

Photo by Angela Lansbury.

My friend told me the first symbol on the left showed clothes. The second symbol on the right has a square divided into four which means field or land and property.  The two together indicate prosperity. 

This symbol is a common wish for new year, Chinese New Year. However, it will also be suitable for other occasions, such as a wedding.

The same sign is hung upside down in houses as a goodwill message meaning prosperity is on its way!

Author
Angela Lansbury, travel writer and photographer, author and speaker, teacher of English and other languages.

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