One of our favourite parts of Chinese New Year as children has got to be when we received ‘Ang Pao’ from our elders. Those gleaming smooth red and gold packets would no doubt cause incite some kind of curious excitement that could only be satisfied when we opened the packet in secret and peered inside to see how much we had received.

However, how many of us are aware that the giving and receiving of red packets are governed by several unwritten rules and regulation. Here are some of the basic practices associated with ‘Ang Paos’:

• You should only give out red packets if you are married. This is linked to the old tradition whereby only married people worked and were financially independent. Nowadays, some single people have broken with tradition and give out ang paos to their younger relatives, but not in a red packet, but in pink or yellow envelopes.

• The money given out in your ang pao should be an even numbers as this is considered auspicious. It would be even better if the amount ended in 8, like RM 8 or RM88. Don’t give out any amount ending in 4 as this is thought to be a death wish.

• Use brand new currency notes, as crisp and fresh notes signify newness and a new beginning. It also symbolizes that you are ready to welcome new things in the New Year.

• Use new ang pao packets and not expired ones as a sign of your sincerity in giving, Using old packets which are faded or torn will show that you are not committed and don’t take things seriously.

• Use only red packets when giving. Modern ang pao designs sometimes make the packets pink or gold in colour, and this is acceptable to use as well. Red signifies prosperity and fortune for the Chinese. Never use white packets or black ones as these are associated with funerals.

• If you receive an ang pao, do not open it in front of the giver or elders, as this is considered rude and disrespectful. You should open it in private and you should refrain from complaining or commenting on the amount you have received in front of others.

• Generally, how much you give in an ang pao depends on how much you can afford. Usually immediate family members between RM50-RM300, Extended family, RM20-200 and for friends and their children, RM2- RM20.