BY: VALERIE ANN DISMAYA
During Chinese New Year, many eagerly anticipate receiving angpao envelopes or even tikoy or sticky rice cakes.
These are believed to bring good fortune and strengthen family bonds.
But did you know that the tradition of giving angpao has a deeper meaning in Chinese culture?
The red envelope is not just a gift but a symbol of happiness, blessings, and prosperity.
It is typically seen during Chinese New Year, weddings, and other significant occasions.
But how did the tradition of angpao start, and why has it become one of Asia’s most iconic customs?
The angpao, or red envelope, originated in China during the Han Dynasty.
The Chinese believe that the red color of the envelope wards off evil spirits and brings peace and safety.
According to a story, in ancient times, a monster called “Sui” would terrorize children on New Year’s Eve.
To protect their kids, parents placed eight coins wrapped in red cloth under their children’s pillows.
They believed the coins provided peace and scared away the monster.
Over time, the cloth was replaced with red envelopes, eventually becoming the angpao we know today.
It is also called “hong bao” in Mandarin and “lai see” in Cantonese.
Nowadays, it is not limited to children but is also given to others on various occasions.
The money placed in an angpao depends on the giver’s generosity and financial capacity, with even numbers like 8 and 2 being popular for luck.
Amounts like 200, 2,000, 800, and 8,000 are common, while the number 4 is avoided due to its pronunciation being similar to “death” in Mandarin or Cantonese.
The tradition of giving angpao is no longer confined to China.
It has spread to other countries, including the Philippines, due to strong Chinese cultural influence.
In areas with large Chinese communities, such as Binondo in Manila, giving angpao has become part of Chinese New Year celebrations.