What Should I Do With My Ang Baos?

Recently, I asked readers for their views on what should I do with my annual bonus.  This was really triggered by reading the newspapers and learning that most Singaporeans actually intend to spend their annual bonuses instead of saving it.

Since the Lunar New Year is upon us, I am sure many readers are still in the privileged group (i.e. unmarried) and are still entitled to collect red packets (or what we commonly call as Ang Baos in Mandarin).  Again, I post the same question:  What will you do with the money in your red packet?  

Or for those of you who are no longer entitled to collect red packets, what do you wish that the receivers of your red packets will use the money for?

At the same time, I will like to wish all readers a Happy Lunar New Year!

Chinese New Year Thoughts

So Chinese New Year is here again.

I have been doing the usual visiting of relatives, giving out of hongbaos (close to $1000 already) and of course...lots of eating.

However, I kind of sense that every CNY is the same. We get together, catch up, eat and then leave. It has become more of a routine thing per se compared to genuine interest in each other's lives.

Even the giving of the red packet becomes more of a tradition than anything else.

Chinese New Year Greetings

A Most Happy Chinese New Year in advance to all readers!

It seemed like just yesterday that I was wishing everyone a prosperous Chinese New Year and it seems like the new year is upon us again.

Chinese New Year is always a time of visiting, good food and good company for me. It is more of a family tradition than a CHINESE tradition per se. I am quite certain that each family celebrates Chinese New Year very differently. Can't wait to eat all the bak kwa and stuff.

This event is also special because it is also the time when Resorts World Sentosa will be opening the first casino in Singapore. After so many years of planning and building, it seems like the first casino will finally open its doors on CNY.

Zodiac Cycles

Here is a list of the various zodiac cycles to mark out on your calendars:

•Tiger : February 14, 2010 - February 02, 2011
•Rabbit : February 03, 2011 - January 22, 2012
•Dragon : January 23, 2012 - February 09, 2013
•Snake : February 10, 2013 - January 30, 2014
•Horse : January 31, 2014 - February 18, 2015
•Sheep : February 19, 2015 - February 07, 2016
•Monkey : February 08, 2016 - January 27, 2017
•Rooster : January 28, 2017 - February 18, 2018
•Dog : February 19, 2018 - February 04, 2019
•Pig : February 05, 2019 - January 24, 2020
•Rat : January 25, 2020 - February 11, 2021
•Ox : February 12, 2021 - January 31, 2022

The Meaning of Red Packets

Since it is Chinese New Year, the family has been in the business of giving out red packets or hong baos as the Chinese would call it.

Red packets are supposed to symbolise luck. But even now, I am not sure why do we put money inside the red packets. I guess the kids love to receive some extra cash during the new year.

But for the parents, it can be a little confusing. Questions like:

"Am i giving enough?"

"What if the other parent gives my child a bigger red packet that what I packed for their child? Will that sway them into giving a larger red packet for my child next year just to make up for the difference?"

These are tough questions. Guess i am still a newbie at giving out red packets that's why I am so confused over this chinese tradition. Of course i know it is meant to be just given out in the spirit of good luck and tradition and all.. But a certain part of me says that I need to rationalise how much I am giving out to people. I can't be giving closer relatives the same amount I am giving other distant friends right?

What's more, this red packet thing is a bit sensitive. If I give too little, will I offend someone who also gives my child a larger red packet?

What about relatives who pass to my parents ang bao meant for my child? Am i supposed to give them back ang baos in kind?

What about older cousins who are not married? Do i give them an ang bao. A bit embarrassing wouldn't it be?

Aargh.. too complicated. Perhaps I will just go on a holiday next Chinese New Year =)