As the Lunar New Year approaches, companies are giving away corporate branded Red Packet envelopes. Known as Hongbao in Chinese and Angpao in Hokkien, it is traditional for married adults to give red packets containing cash to children. In Chinese mythology, people would wrap coins in red paper to protect children from demons. Recently, the red packet has transformed and acquired a new meaning. Red packets are now gifts presented at social and family gathering such as weddings and Lunar New Year. Many businesses give customers empty red packet envelopes with their logo on it. While it’s old-fashioned and certainly not digital, red packets are a cheap and easy way to deliver traditional New Year messages and at the same time, marketing for their organisation.

Red packets are a significant highlight of the Lunar New Year. Especially for young children, the velvety texture of the red packet are welcomed with huge smiles after extending their well-wishes to their elders. After the first day of visits, children would pile them under their pillows and doze off, embraced in the comfort of a warm blanket, Alternatively, they can also choose to stay up the night, not just to enjoy the late night movies and games, but to participate in the traditional custom of shoushui (守岁) , the act of protecting one’s years. Since the term is pronounced the same as 守睡(withholding of one’s sleep), it is believed that by staying up in the late hours of New Year’s eve, children can contribute to the longevity of their parents. That could explain why some children happen to be sleep-deprived on New Year’s Day, well-deserved points for filial piety! Towards the end of the Lunar New Year, Red Packets are opened up and cash is counted. Some children may splurge on a new game, toys or even sweets, but in many families, parents would encourage them to save up and deposit in their bank accounts.

With numerous traditions well underway, it’s no wonder that the Lunar New Year is always filled with so much fun and excitement!

Just as companies embrace the use of technology to promote effective systems, payment platforms such as WeChat, AliPay and even DBS’s ‘PayLah!’ have popularised the electronic Angbao - virtual red packets which can be distributed with the use of e-wallets directly linked to personal bank accounts. It’s convenient and simple, just a few touches and one would have successfully sent an e-Angbao to another person. There is no need to go through the hassle of getting crisp new banknotes, packing money into red envelopes and we enjoy environmental benefits without the disposal of large amounts of waste paper after the Lunar New Year. Considering these two factors, it is understandable how e-Angbaos have gained such popularity.

While convenience is one major benefit, it should also be noted that despite its current popularity, the older generation still prefers to give a physical red packets. Interestingly, e-Angpaos are not used extensively in many part of Asia. The majority prefer using the traditional approach. As reported by todayonline in Hong Kong, 98 per cent of survey respondents said that the conventional red packet is still their preferred option over the e-angpao, similar to the findings in Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore.

As my uncle very aptly said, “It just doesn’t feel the same.”

The anticipation of opening a red packet and the physical contact of receiving it cannot be experienced with technology. A tradition like this exists to complement the festive spirit and promote emotional bonding. The practise itself is a medium to convey well-wishes to the other.

https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/gong-xi-fa-click-e-hongbao-gaining-popularity-spore-msia