Ang pows would have been the highlight of Chinese New Year until you progressed from being a receiver to a giver. Now these red packets can become a chore, especially when you have to allocate a good amount for your relatives’, friends’ or neighbours’ children.
So, what’s the appropriate amount of money to give away in each packet during Chinese New Year? Giving too little might leave a bitter taste in someone’s mouth; giving too much could also be a faux pas.
If you’ve never done this before, or are still struggling to understand the general amount to give, here’s a simple guide.
- For your own children
Recommended amount: The highest amount you can afford
Your children deserve the best, so you should give them the biggest ang pow – in terms of amount, not size. It won’t do to give other children amounts larger than what you would give your own family.
- For your younger siblings
Recommended amount: RM20-50
After your children, your siblings are the closest family members to you, as they have been with you your whole life. They deserve the honour of being given the second-biggest ang pow.
- For your unmarried cousins, nieces and nephews
Recommended amount: RM20-30
They might not be as close to you as your children and siblings are, but they are still family. As the saying goes, blood is thicker than water; hence, the packet should be slightly thicker than those you would give out to children of friends and acquaintances.
- For children of close friends
Recommended amount: RM10-20
These are children of friends you meet regularly, whether colleagues, college mates or old school friends. They’re almost like family but not quite, so the ang pows should not be of a higher amount that those you would give to your extended family members.
- For children of acquaintances and strangers
Recommended amount: RM8-10
Custom dictates that you should hand out red packets to children you meet along the way during the festive period, whether you know them or not. Reserve the ang pows with the lowest amounts for acquaintances you seldom meet, or children of strangers you encounter during visits.
An ang pow with RM8 is seen as an auspicious and lucky sign.
It is also commendable to give ang pows to your elderly parents and grandparents, to your own spouse, and anyone else you cherish.
Remember, this is just a guide and you don’t need to follow the exact amounts above. Money should be given sincerely, and you should only give what you can afford.
This article first appeared in kaodim.com.
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