How much to give and more: All your questions on ang pow giving, answered
WATCH VIDEO: How much to give in a hongbao?
By Bryna Singh for The Straits Times -
Copyright: Anaken2012 / 123RF Stock Photo
Hongbao is traditionally given by married couples to their parents and children, and other single adults as a token of good fortune and blessing during the festive celebrations.
In this episode of askST, The Straits Times Lifestyle correspondent Bryna Singh explains the proper etiquette for hongbao-giving.
An often-asked question is the amount that one should put in a red packet.
Dr Kang Ger-Wen, 43, course chair for Chinese Studies at Ngee Ann Polytechnic's School of Humanities & Social Sciences, said there is no fixed amount as hongbao symbolises a blessing.
Give within your means, as it should not become a source of financial stress.
Think of it as a gesture, rather than a transaction, said Dr Lim Lee Ching, 42, vice-dean at the School of Human Development & Social Services at SIM University.
For newlyweds, it is convention that they do not need to give hongbao in their first year of marriage.
Should a younger sibling who is married give hongbao to an older sibling who is single?
These experts say there is no rule on this but generally, it is not a must to give hongbao to those who are able to earn a living for themselves.
There are also no rules on the age limit for a person to get hongbao from relatives. This is really up to the giver and receiver, and the nature of their relationship.
The 13-part askST video series features ST journalists answering questions sent in by readers.
This story was first published on www.straitstimes.com.
See also: newly-weds, this is how much you should be giving for Chinese New Year 2017.