Chinese New Year: Ang Bao Etiquette and How Much to Give?
Published 07 January 2025 at 10:53
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During Chinese New Year, the tradition of giving Ang Bao is one of the most meaningful and widely practiced customs! These red envelopes, filled with money, symbolize blessings, good fortune, and a fresh start to the year. They serve as a tangible expression of well-wishes for prosperity, health, and happiness in the year ahead. Its vibrant red color is more than just an aesthetic choice; it symbolises good fortune, happiness, and the ability to ward off evil spirits. This vivid hue is deeply ingrained in Chinese culture as a representation of positive energy and auspiciousness, making it the perfect vessel for blessings.
An Ang Bao is a heartfelt expression of blessings and goodwill. The money inside the Ang Bao is called "ya sui qian" (压岁钱), meaning "money to suppress the evil spirit." In folklore, it was believed to protect children from harm and misfortune. It is not merely a monetary gift but a token imbued with the giver's sincere wishes for the recipient's prosperity, health, and happiness.
Image Credit: Depositphotos
Whom should I give an Ang Bao to?
- Ang Bao are traditionally given in a hierarchical manner, flowing from elders to the younger generation, from seniors to juniors, and from those in a position of responsibility to those under their care:
- Married couples give Ang Bao to children and unmarried relatives or friends as a blessing for a good year ahead. In Chinese tradition, marriage symbolises adulthood and financial stability, making it customary for married couples to share their blessings with others.
- Employers may also give Ang Bao to employees as a gesture of appreciation and encouragement for the coming year.
Explore More: Chinese New Year in Singapore
How Much Money Should Be in an Ang Bao?
The amount usually depends on the relationship between the giver and the recipient, as well as the occasion.
- For close family members, a larger amount is often expected.
- For children, the amount of money in an Ang Bao can be similar to the cost of a present they might wish for, making it a thoughtful and practical way to bring them joy during the festive season!
- For acquaintances or distant relatives, a smaller amount may be given.
- For enrichment teachers and service providers, a small token amount in the Ang Bao is sufficient as a gesture of appreciation and good luck.
- School teachers are not allowed to accept money! Thoughtful gifts are wonderful alternatives. Think of festive goodies, handwritten cards, or tokens of appreciation like personalised stationery or gift vouchers instead!
Avoid Unlucky Numbers:
- When giving an Ang Bao, it is essential to avoid odd-numbered amounts of money. In Chinese culture, odd numbers are often associated with inauspicious events, such as funerals, where monetary offerings are traditionally given in odd amounts.
- Also, avoid amounts with the digit 4 (as it sounds like "death" in Mandarin).
The Chinese Philosophy: Good Things Come in Pairs
To ensure your gift conveys blessings of prosperity and positivity, always use even numbers, as they symbolise harmony and balance. Certain even numbers carry deeper meanings:
- 8: Considered the luckiest number, as it sounds like "wealth" or "prosperity" in Chinese.
- 6: Symbolises smoothness and good flow, as it is associated with success and progress.
Image Credit: Depositphotos
Etiquette When Giving and Receiving Ang Bao
- Use crisp, new notes to symbolise a fresh start. Get ready for long lines—everyone in Singapore will be flocking to banks and ATMs for new notes! A greener option, however, is to opt for fit-for-gifting notes, which are much more eco-friendly.
- Never use coins!
- Always present the Ang Bao with both hands.
- Avoid giving Ang Bao without a red envelope, as this is considered disrespectful.
- Accept the Ang Bao with both hands as a sign of gratitude.
- Never open it in front of the giver—wait until later to look inside.
In Singapore, Ang Bao culture is deeply rooted, and it's a beautiful tradition to experience! Beyond the red packet itself, the act of giving and receiving is accompanied by heartfelt wishes for prosperity, health, and happiness. When exchanging ang bao, it’s customary to greet the recipient with phrases like 'Gong Xi Fa Cai' (Wishing you prosperity) or 'Xin Nian Kuai Le' (Happy New Year) to spread festive cheer and good fortune. This practice reflects not just generosity, but also the importance of fostering meaningful relationships and celebrating the Lunar New Year spirit together!
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