Ang Pow

Ang Pow - A packet of good tidings

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.

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.

Malaysia

 

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, jeweleries, 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.