Contradictheory: Is a gift of money really about the money?

A band of musicians with instruments made of household items busking in Penang to raise funds for Tabung Harapan Malaysia in early June. Photo: The Star/Gary Chen

It's Aidil Fitri weekend, and what could be more synonymous with this auspicious festival than the adults forgiving their children for the year’s transgressions, who in turn thank their parents for giving them this year’s duit raya.

But imagine if you will, if you give a child his packet, and instead he turns to you and says, “I know you are having a tough time of it, and have debts to pay off. Please, I am giving you back this money, and much more that I’ve received from others, to alleviate your burden.”