Family is a strong and rich part of cultural history in China. With the rise to modernity that Shanghai experienced in the 1930s family values were tested. Would traditions evolve or disappear altogether? The foundations of respect, trust, and obedience not only survived the tumultuous vibrations of Shanghai’s alluring siren song, but the family grew even more devoted to one another. The devotion of family has been represented by gift giving, originally coins on a red string. Today this same tradition survives however now it is with a red envelope. This illustrates perfectly that the red line of family has increased today to an all-encompassing fold containing the promise of a prosperous future and a bond that will never dissolve.

Credits: Rose Tang 罗丝唐 (photography) • Thomas Charvériat (technical realization) • Yeung Sin Ching 杨倩菁 (material sourcing)