| A packet of good tidings
Introduction
 A gift of money – ever so simple, practical, convenient,
and sure to be appreciated by the recipient! All over the world and for as
long as anyone can remember, the Chinese have been giving gifts of money
during auspicious occasions, like Chinese New Year, birthdays and weddings.
The God of Longevity (left)
and
God of Wealth, two very auspicious
characters in Chinese culture,
adorn two ang pow envelopes.
It should be emphasised however, that this tradition
is not the same as practised in the 'west', where money is inserted into
a greeting card during birthdays or in the form of gift vouchers, without
much regard towards the intricacies. When money is given auspiciously, the
Chinese usually insert it in red packets called ang pow which are
decorated with lucky symbols, Chinese characters or deities. The Chinese
regard the colour red as a protective colour, representing auspiciousness,
prosperity, and with the power to exorcise evil spirits.
 The illustrations used on the front of ang pow
bestow blessings and good wishes of longevity, prosperity and great health.
Through the years, designers have always found new ways to enhance the message
of good tidings such as three or nine carps swimming amidst flowering lotuses,
the mythical creatures of yin and yang (dragon and phoenix), Chinese zodiac
animals depending on the year it will be used, peonies in full bloom, the
three immortals (Fook, Look, Sow) and golden pineapples.
When giving money on festive or auspicious occasions,
never ever put the money in a white envelope or you would face the wrath
and fury of the recipient! Money wrapped in white envelopes are given when
the occasion is sombre, like during funerals, when a gift of money is given
to help with the funeral costs. This is called 'pak kum' or 'money for the
family of the deceased'.
The first ang pow ever given
The story of ang pow dates back to the Sung
Dynasty in China. A village called Chang-Chieu was at the time terrorised
by a huge dragon-like demon. No one dared to defeat it, not even warriors
or statesmen. However, a young orphan, armed with a super sabre inherited
from his ancestors, fought the evil dragon and eventually destroyed it. The
villagers were overjoyed and the elders presented the brave young lad an
ang pow filled with money for his courage in saving them. Since then, the
ang pow has become a part of traditional Chinese customs.
 How much to give?
Amounts given in the ang pow may take advantage
of the Chinese homophones. For instance, you can give a favourable amount
ending with eight (8), as it sounds like fortune in Chinese, or nine (9),
which sounds like longevity.
Whatever the amount is, ang pow has always
been something exciting to receive.
When ang pows are given
The practice of giving ang pow may be centuries
old, but it is still as popular as ever. During Chinese New Year, they are
given by married to small children, teenagers and unmarried adults - these
are the lucky ones those who will continue to receive ang pow until
they get hitched. My sweet run of collecting ang pow came to a grinding
halt in 1999, the day I got married. And the sad days of giving began . .
. but there's hope yet. The birth of my baby daughter in 2003 would tip the
scale back a little, so to speak.
Birthdays
It is traditional and customary to give ang pow to Chinese parents
when their baby celebrates his/her first month. In return, parents distribute
to well wishers gifts like yellow rice (nasi kunyit) with curry chicken,
red eggs (ang nui), bean cakes (ang ku), KFC vouchers and Ayamas chicken
set. These days, money is given as birthday gifts for celebrants of all ages
– what better way to make them happy than to allow them to purchase
whatever they want? The elderly also distribute gifts of money to the younger
generation when they celebrate, for example, their 80th birthday.
Gratuity
Some Chinese sinsehs (practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine)
are usually given ang pows in lieu of cash payment upfront for services
rendered, like resetting dislocated joints and such. According to Sandra,
my sister, they cannot accept cash upfront for their services because of
they belief that if they do, unwanted ills and bad luck will befall on them.
The same applies to some Chinese mediums when their channeling services are
sought. The situation may seem like a paradox, but it really isn't when you
consider that ang pow (even though they contain money) are given freely,
and not because of any contractual obligation, like paying for services or
repaying loans.
Feng
Shui
Feng Shui adherents believe that an ang
pow containing gold coins tied with a red thread, can bring luck to the
carrier or when placed in the North sector of the house.
 Other cultures
In Malaysia, the giving of ang pow has cut across cultural lines,
and is no longer restricted to the Chinese only. For example, the Malays/Muslims
give money concealed in a green packet the same size and shape as an ang
pow, decorated with Islamic motifs to young children during Syawal.
Similarly, Indians have also gotten into the act of giving cash, and tuck
their legal tender into different coloured packets which are handed out to
little kids during Deepavali.
Ang pow packets for are usually given out
free by banks, jewelleries, hotels and shops to their customers. They can
also be purchased from shops.
I believe that this Chinese custom of ang pow
giving will always be in vogue, and never loose its charm for centuries to
come. As a famous saying goes, "Money makes the world goes round", and what
better way than to give it well packaged and sealed with good tidings.
Written by
Adrian Cheah |
