Keep the angpow packets red

I REFER to the report “Changing of the red packet” (The Star, Jan 30).

It is shocking that many of us in our frenzy to keep up with the modern times forget how and why the red packet is given on Chinese auspicious occasions, that include the Chinese New Year.

It does not make sense if the red angpow is changed to any other colour.

Apart from Chinese tradition since the Song Dynasty, as mentioned in the article, no matter what Chinese dialect is used, the word “red” is inevitably there.

In the old days, red paper was used to wrap the money but nowadays well-designed, good looking red packets are used, which is fine.

But for heaven’s sake, please keep the colour

and meaning of “red” intact.

We even use the phrase “red matters” and “white matters” to refer to auspicious and non-auspicious occasions. So please keep the angpow packet red.

EVELYN YEE

George Town, Penang