Home / Ethnic Communities

Hongbao giving

A hongbao or ang-pow (angpao) is a gift of money inserted into a red packet. Red is considered a symbol of luck, life and happiness. They are given as a token of good wishes during auspicious occasions such as during Chinese New Year celebrations and at weddings.

History
Over 1,000 years ago in China, parents gave their children 100 coins called ya sui qian in the belief that they would live up to 100 years old. The coins were presented on the eve of Lunar New Year for children to buy clothes or to save up. In the Song Dynasty of China in the 12th century, giving money or li shi became a common habit. As a wish for good luck, it is given to children by their parents on New Year's Day and to well-wishers who come beating drums and gongs, greeting everyone a happy New Year. The li shi packets were probably made of silk or cloth. It was in the late 19th century that people started using red packets and calling them hongbao

Receiving
It is considered rude to stare at relatives or to show too much eagerness at receiving hongbao. Reticence reflects good upbringing. The giver is wished Gong Xi Fa Cai or "Wishing you a prosperous New Year". It is also considered ill-mannered to open red packets in the presence of the giver and other people.

Amount
The amounts should be in even numbers as they are considered lucky and auspicious. If a pair of hongbao packets is given, the amount should also total up to an even number. The Cantonese and Hokkiens give hongbaos in pairs to children of close relatives as tradition has it that good things come in pairs.



Author
Azizah Sidek



References 
Wong, C. S. (1987). An illustrated cycle of Chinese festivities in Malaysia and Singapore (pp. 89-90). Singapore: Jack Chia-MPH.
(Call no.: RSING 398.33 WON)

More to that red packet than just good luck [Microfilm: NL 16890]. (1990, January 23). The Straits Times, p. 24. 

The information in this article is valid as at 1997 and correct as far as we are able to ascertain from our sources. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or complete history of the subject. Please contact the Library for further reading materials on the topic.

Subject
Ethnic Communities>>Customs and Traditions
Singapore-- Social life and customs
Rites and ceremonies--Singapore
People and communities>>Customs>>Festivities

Librarian Recommendations
>> Chinese New Year ceremonies


All Rights Reserved. National Library Board Singapore 2004.