10 Things To Know About Giving & Receiving Ang Bao This CNY
Find out some of the traditions to be observed when giving out and receiving ang bao during Chinese New Year
By Bryna Singh and Natalya Molok -
The practice of giving ang bao (red packets) is prevalent among Chinese communities all over the world. It is given to children and unmarried people to wish them luck for Chinese New Year.
While ang bao-giving etiquette is usually honed by observing what our elders did, it can sometimes be confusing and overwhelming as you ponder how much to give, who to give to and what to do if you receive one. So, to take the stress out of the upcoming Chinese New Year festivities, we're answering some questions you may have about these lucky little red packets:
Dr Lim Lee Ching, associate professor and vice dean of the S R Nathan School of Human Development Singapore University of Social Sciences, says there is "no rule" in terms of the amount to put into an ang bao. "Giving ang bao is a gesture and not a transaction, although many Singaporeans seem to think otherwise," he says.
But that said, if you’re looking for a general guide, $8 to $10 is a typical amount for relatives in Singapore. For friends or children you’re less familiar with, $6 is a common choice.
Dr Kang Ger-Wen, course chair for Chinese Studies in Ngee Ann Polytechnic's School of Humanities & Social Science, agrees with Dr Lim that there is no fixed amount for ang bao as it symbolises a blessing in Chinese tradition.
He also feels that the amount for a family member versus, say, a colleague's child, should be different.
"Because in Chinese tradition, especially in Confucianism, love to a close family member and to a friend should be different," he explains.
3. Does a younger sibling who is married have to give an ang bao to an older sibling who is single?
Dr Lim says this is "often a source of awkwardness".
He has experienced such awkwardness, as he is single and sometimes still receives ang bao from younger friends or relatives.
Personal experience aside, he says there is "no etiquette" to this. "It is up to the receiver, really," he says.
Ang bao are traditionally handed out by married couples to their parents, single adults and children during the Chinese New Year celebrations as tokens of good fortune and blessing.
For newlyweds, experts say the giving of ang bao should be within the couple's means, and not become a source of financial stress.
"It's really up to their own comfort level," says Dr Lim. He adds that there is also a convention that newlyweds do not give ang bao in the first year of marriage.
Dr Lim says there are no set rules for this, as it is entirely up to both the giver and receiver, as well as the nature of the relationship.
"For example, between an elderly relative and a favourite grown-up niece, the giving of an ang bao may be a symbol of the closeness they share," he says.
Yes, says Dr Kang.
"In Chinese tradition, even numbers are preferred, as good things come in pairs."
However, you may want to avoid amounts with the number “4” (e.g., $4, $14), as some deem it unlucky. This is because its pronunciation in Mandarin ("sì") and other Chinese dialects sounds very similar to the word for "death" ("sǐ").
Amounts with the number “8” (e.g., $8, $18) are seen as auspicious and bring good luck.
Both experts agree that it is rude to do so.
Adds Dr Lim: "But children will always want to, and get chastised by their parents for doing so — all in the name of festive cheer."
A lot of people go away on holiday during Chinese New Year, but make no mistake, even if you’re gone until March, you will not escape giving out ang bao the first time you see people in the new year.
People will remember and it’s just tacky to try to avoid it.
9. What other traditions should I observe about giving and receiving ang bao?
Always receive your ang bao packet with both hands. Never accept a red packet with just one hand.
Prepare varying cash amounts in differently designed ang bao in advance, so that you can quickly and gracefully discern whether you’re giving away $20 or $200.
Never use white envelopes as they are usually given to bereaved families during funerals.
Giving fresh, crisp bills is also seen as more thoughtful and respectful. Even if they aren't new notes, avoid using wrinkled or worn ones.
It's customary to offer good wishes when receiving an ang bao, as it’s a way to show gratitude and spread positivity. Bonus points if you clasp your hands together in front of your chest and shake them up and down gently while you say your Chinese New Year greetings. Here are some popular ones:
Gong Xi Fa Cai: “Wish you wealth and prosperity”
Cai Yuan Gun Gun: “May wealth come pouring in”
Shi Ye Fa Da: “May your career to take off”
Xin Xiang Shi Cheng: “May all your wishes come true”
Shen Ti Jian Kang: "Wish you good health"
Text: Bryna Singh, Straits Times / Additional Reporting: Natalya Molok and Michelle Lee
This post was updated on January 21, 2024.