This is an old tradition. People give a small gift, like money, to wish someone success. It is not common today.
He gave me a coin as a hansel for the new year.
The hansel was a small token for good luck.
This is a special term used by some shopkeepers. It refers to the first customer or sale of the day. It is thought to bring good luck for the rest of the day.
The shopkeeper was happy with the hansel in the morning.
A good hansel means a good day for business.
This is the action of giving a hansel. It is a very rare verb. It means to give a small gift to wish for good luck at the beginning of something new.
They hanselled the new house with bread and salt.
We should hansel the new project for success.
This meaning is historical. It refers to a small sum of money given as a gift, often to a servant or worker. It is like a tip but given for good luck or kindness.
The servant received a hansel from the visitor.
A hansel was a common gift for service.
This is a very specific and rare legal or commercial use. It means a first payment or a deposit that shows a promise to pay more later. It is like an earnest payment.
The hansel was paid to secure the agreement.
He gave a hansel to show he was serious.
This is a figurative or metaphorical use. It does not mean a physical gift. It means an early success that is hoped to bring more success in the future. It is like a promising start.
The team's win was a hansel for the season.
Her first good grade was a hansel for her studies.
