香典(こうでん)

ETYMOLOGY:
香(こう) (incense) + 典(でん) (offering) — originally an offering of incense for the deceased

PRESENTATION:

• Given in a special envelope called 香典袋(こうでんぶくろ) or 不祝儀袋(ふしゅうぎぶくろ)
• The envelope is typically black and white or silver
• Bills should be old (not new/crisp) and face down

AMOUNT:

Depends on relationship to the deceased:

• Acquaintance: 3,000-5,000 yen
• Friend/colleague: 5,000-10,000 yen
• Close relative: 10,000-100,000 yen
• Avoid amounts with 4 or 9 (unlucky numbers)

香典(こうでん)返(がえ)し:
The bereaved family sends return gifts to those who gave 香典(こうでん), typically worth 1/3 to 1/2 of the amount received.

RELATED TERMS:

• 不祝儀(ぶしゅうぎ): condolence money (more formal term)
• 祝儀(しゅうぎ): money gift for celebrations (opposite context)