Ever wondered why We give Angpao (Red Packet) during Chinese New Year? Have your kids ever ask you Why we Get Angpow during Chinese New Year not on normal Days ? Do you know the History ? Do you know there is a Story behind this ?
During the ancient Times, there was a Monster called "Nian"; with long head and big sharp horns, it stays beneath the sea and only showed up during the New Years Eve. The monster will come out to terrified children while they as sleep , it was believe that when children got touch by the Demon. Chilrdren will get sick and become mentally unstable. Parents usually will stay awake during New Years Eve and lights up candles for the night.
For the children, Parents will give them eight coins play in order to keep them awake so as well to avoid being hurt by the demon. The children will play the coins with a Red Packet , insert the coins to the Red Packet, take it out, re-inserting and reopened it until they were too tired and fall as sleep. Then the parents will keep the coins under the pillows on the child, when the Demon came, the eight coins will shine a bright light to demons and cast them away. Therefore, from then on Red Envelopes and Coins becaome a way to keep children safe and bring good luck.
It was also tradition believe that lightning the Fireworks / Firecrackers will chase away the demons and ghost away, the louder the better.
Now, here you go; when ever your children ask you, you may tell them about this story. it is also good for our knowledge to know the history behind giving angpow.
Chinese People love Red Color, it symbolizes great Energy(Power), Happiness(Joy) and Good Luck. Giving away RedPackets (Angpao in Hokkien or Hong Bao in Mandarin) is a way to send good wishes and luck to all with of cause must have money inside.
In China, people still called the Red Packet as * YaSui Qian* which literally means "Suppressing Ghost Money". In which relates to the story above that parents put the Red Envelope under the Pillow of the Child.
Those who receive a Red Packet (Angpao) are wished to have Safe and Peaceful Year
Gong Xi Fa Cai to All!!!!
