I found this very interesting explanation on the Chinese red packet from Wikipedia Online:
"A red envelope or red packet (Traditional Chinese: 紅包; Simplified Chinese: 红包; pinyin: hóng bāo) is a monetary gift which is given in Chinese society, more appropriately, the Han people. The name comes from the red envelope in which the money is contained. It is called lai si (also transcribed lai see) (利是, 利市 or 利事) in Cantonese, Ang Pao in Min Nan/Taiwanse and Pung Pao in Hakka.
Red envelopes are often presented on social and family occasions such as a wedding reception or a holiday such as Chinese New Year (in which context it is also known as yāsuì qián, Traditional Chinese: 壓歲錢). The purpose of the red packet is that the red colour of the packet symbolizes good luck. The cash amount contained within is not important but is required to be of an even number as odd numbers are related to cash given during funerals (白金 Bai Jin). During Chinese New Year, a hóng bāo is typically given by married to the unmarried. Any unmarried individual is eligible regardless of age."
Red envelopes are often presented on social and family occasions such as a wedding reception or a holiday such as Chinese New Year (in which context it is also known as yāsuì qián, Traditional Chinese: 壓歲錢). The purpose of the red packet is that the red colour of the packet symbolizes good luck. The cash amount contained within is not important but is required to be of an even number as odd numbers are related to cash given during funerals (白金 Bai Jin). During Chinese New Year, a hóng bāo is typically given by married to the unmarried. Any unmarried individual is eligible regardless of age."
Chinese New Year is just around the corner...18th February, to be precise, and once again, the Chinese community, Christian and otherwise, will engage in the exchange of red packets. Christians no longer believe in luck as symbolised by the red colour of the envelopes, but rather in the Divine Providence of the Lord. Nevertheless, red is used litugically for the martyrs, Confirmation and the feast of the Holy Spirit. Perhaps as we exchange ang pows this year, we can remind ourselves of the gift of the Holy Spirit that Christ our Lord bestowed upon his Church after his ascension into Heaven.
At the same time, as we give red packets to friends and relatives, we could also consider presenting one to St Ann's Church Building Fund.
Happy Chinese New Year to everyone!!
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