Surprise: (From left) Chan Huan Zhe, 10, and Chan Huan Yu, 5, posing with the ang pow they received at their home. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Mrs Lim (not her real name) was unwell during the Chinese New Year last year, and did not visit her relative’s house – a normal practice which she had been doing in the past without fail to distribute ang pow (red packets) to her uncle, nieces and nephews.
“I got Covid-19 and was bedridden during the Year of the Dragon. However, I still asked my elder brother to prepare ang pow for all my relatives on my behalf. This has been our tradition and custom and I was not about to break it because of the virus,” she said.
Whether it’s a symbol of prosperity or to bring good luck, the Chinese community will still keep up with this steep tradition and culture even in this era of artificial intelligence.
Bank clerk Alice Wong, 32, said nothing beats seeing the smiling faces and pure joy of the recipients when they received ang pow from her.
“The amount is not important, but usually in even numbers. The amount for close family members has remained unchanged over the past few years.
“For my parents, it’s about RM500 each. As for my daughters, it would be RM50 each.
“For others, such as neighbours or service providers, I think RM10 is the typical amount.”
“The practice of giving out ang pow is all about sharing blessings,” she said.
Wong, who grew up receiving traditional ang pow from her elders, preferred the physical form over e-ang pow, where money is transferred digitally.
“Handing over an ang pow in person holds emotional value. It’s more personal and meaningful,” she said.
For truck driver Lim Kim Huat, 45, the amount in ang pow is not fixed and depends on the relationship with the recipient.
“For family members, I usually give more since there aren’t many of us.
“Children typically will get RM10, but for my kids, definitely they will receive more,” he said.
Lim also concurred that it was more meaningful to personally hand out the “Hong Pow” (red packets in Mandarin).
“Just like meeting up with our relatives and old friends during the festival, or reunion dinner, the physical exchange feels more festive and personal.
“The elders, too, would be more happy with face-to-face interaction,” he added.
Company manager Michael Toh, 48, said his employees would receive RM100 each as part of his company’s culture.
“I have about 30 employees, and they’ve all put in significant effort throughout the year to help me overcome challenges.
“The amount reflects a balance between tradition and financial practicality.
“I will give more to my family members and children of my close friends. The smaller amounts are for outsiders as a measure to spread goodwill,” he added.
Traditionally, ang pow are given as a token of good wishes during auspicious occasions such as during Chinese New Year celebrations and weddings.
These red packets symbolise blessings of prosperity, happiness and good fortune – carrying both cultural significance and heartfelt sentiments for the recipients.
