What Are Red Envelopes (Ang Bao)?
As part of Chinese New Year customs, red envelopes are fondly known in Hokkien as ang bao and in Mandarin as hongbao. Usually decorated with gold and vivid red, these packets contain money and stand for prosperity, happiness and passing blessings. Even the smallest ang bao gift means timing it right, knowing your place and being respectful of the other person.
Why Red? The Power of Color and Symbolism
Red symbolizes luck, joy, and protection in Chinese culture. People believe this injunction ensures bad energies stay away and good luck comes in. For this reason, ang bao are only available in red instead of blue or white, two colors usually worn at funerals. Golden decorations with dragons, Chinese characters or zodiac animals increase the good luck, making the gift both the money and what it represents.
Who Gives Ang Bao?
Generally, ang bao are given to unmarried, younger individuals, most often to children, by married adults. It happens when people pass their good fortune on to others. Parents give ang bao to their kids. Older siblings give to younger ones. Married couples like to give them out to their nieces, nephews and cousins.
But ang bao customs have evolved. In modern practice, they are also given:
- Employers use gifts to show their employees they are appreciated and encouraged.
- Sometimes, by adults, to express their love and respect for their parents or grandparents.
- Those who host also offer gifts to their guests during annual home visits.
If you were just married, congrats again: now it’s time to start being charitable. Being a giver means you’ve made it through challenges and now have the chance to help others.
Who Gets Ang Bao?
Being unmarried, you can receive ang bao at any age. It’s possible for working adults in their 30s to get red packets from older family members who have married. In many cases, children get ang bao and usually receive several throughout festivals and gatherings.
Often, managers or bosses give junior staff ang bao during the New Year as a gesture of goodwill at work. People often share it the first day back after a holiday (kai gong), wanting good fortune and smooth progress for the year.
When to Give (and Receive) Ang Bao
Timing is everything. People usually give ang bao during the first and final days of the Chinese New Year (一) and (十五). In some families, people start the tradition at New Year’s Eve, most often at the reunion dinner.
When giving or receiving:
- Always pass the red packet around with both hands to show your respect.
- Wish others “Gong Xi Fa Cai!” or “Xin Nian Kuai Le!” whenever you exchange gifts or wish them well.
- Don’t open the gift bag in their presence, as it comes across as impolite and wants too much.
How Much to Give? A Practical Guide
The main question is how much to give in an ang bao?
No single rule sets limits, but we have some common standards to discuss.
For Children:
- Your own children: Rates are from SGD 50 to SGD 200 and higher, with the amount depending on the child’s age.
- Nieces, nephews, cousins: SGD 10–50.
For Elders:
- Love and respect cost SGD 88–200+ for parents and grandparents.
For Family Friends or Visitors’ Kids:
- SGD 6–10 is a usual amount—enough to mean “I wish you good health.”
For Employees (workplace):
- Junior staff: SGD 8–20.
- Senior staff or long-time employees: SGD 28–88.
Avoiding Inauspicious Numbers
Numerology plays a big role in Chinese culture. Here’s what to avoid:
- Don’t use the number 4 when you’re numbers (since “death” is pronounced similarly in Mandarin).
- Favor the number 8, as it sounds like “prosperity.”
When shopping, many Singaporeans consider SGD 8, SGD 18, SGD 28 or SGD 88 to be lucky. SGD 40 or SGD 14 are thought to be unlucky amounts in Singapore.
Red Envelope Etiquette for Different Settings
In the Family:
- Always prepare ang bao before family gatherings. Be sure your notes are intact and fresh, because people tend not to accept damaged or worn currency. Give the gift you feel is right for the two of you and spend some time choosing it.
Among Friends:
When you visit a friend with children in their home, it’s nice to give an ang bao to every child, if you have one. You aren’t required to do it, but it’s nice to help maintain the exciting feeling of the holidays.
In the Workplace:
First, employers should make up the envelopes and give them out on the first workday after Chinese New Year. A few bosses add some celebration or lou hei (prosperity toss) on top of red pocket gifts. Generally, colleagues don’t give ang bao, though team leaders might present one to their new or inexperienced team members.
Digital Ang Bao: A Modern Twist
People can use e-ang bao now because PayNow, WeChat and DBS PayLah! provide these options alongside digital wallets and mobile banking. They are popular among those who are young and those immersed in technology at work. Although there isn’t the classic charm found in traditional red envelopes, electronic red envelopes are easy to use and make it possible to safely share blessings when everyone isn’t together.
For some, however, giving money in a crisp red packet along with a warm greeting is the most popular form.
The True Meaning Behind the Money
People commonly worry about giving enough, but the main purpose of ang bao isn’t related to their costs. They are a special chance to spread blessings, tell someone you’re thankful and keep a tradition based on kindness. Having the right attitude makes even a little gift valuable.
Though they might like the cash gifts, children really appreciate spending time with their family, feeling the holiday cheer and getting fun gifts wrapped in red and gold.
Where to Keep Your Red Envelopes
Tradition suggests you should keep the money you get in an ang bao in a lucky corner or draw before deciding to spend it. A number of families choose to put savings for their children into savings accounts to teach them about money.
Often, on special days, children and grandchildren choose to keep their red packets for the elders sealed to demonstrate respect. Some people choose to re-decorate with the envelopes for the following year.
Keep the Blessings Flowing with CNY Goodies
A simple way to say “I care,” “I’m grateful,” and “I wish you the best” is with an ang bao. If you really want to enjoy Chinese New Year, put some dessert with your red envelopes since nothing compares to luck and love served in gold foil and buttery baked goods.
Be it a family visit, time with old friends or putting together gifts for your team, check out CNYDelights.com for our special CNY Goodies that go great with red envelope traditions.