CNY Edition: Red Packet Etiquette – How Much To Give?

I’m sure you know the favourite Chinese New Year tradition of every kid, and the dreaded tradition of every adult- receiving and giving out red packets! We’ve been doing these for a long time and because we both know this tradition isn’t going away any time soon, today I’m here to help you to answer some of your doubts so that you can receive or give out red packets with ease this coming Chinese New Year!

For the givers:

-Get New Notes from The Bank

Before you decide on your favourite red packet this year, the first thing to do is to head down to the bank and get fresh, crisp new notes from the bank. While it is perfectly fine to use old notes, giving out new notes symbolizes a new beginning and a fresh start. Beat the queue by going to the bank a few weeks before Chinese New Year or if you can’t, don’t worry because every year certain banks like POSB will set up temporary ATMs!

-Put Different Amounts in Different Red Packet Designs

If you’re giving out red packets for the first time this year, a good tip to know is to put different amounts in different red packet designs. Trust me, giving out red packets will be so much easier if you know how much are in each packet without opening them! This lowers the chance of accidentally giving out the wrong packet to the wrong person, as we both know that once you’ve given them out you won’t be able to take it back.

-Always Prepare More

If you’re going for a Chinese New Year event, always prepare more red packets because you never know how many kids are going to pop up when you’re there!

-The Minimum Amount

Ah, the million-dollar question and also the most debated one. According to The Finder, there is no minimum amount to put in a red packet. However, we need to remember that giving out red packets are a gesture to bless the ones who will be receiving them, and not so much about the money.

So really, how much?

Although I’d say you should give according to your heart, the rule of thumb is usually $2 for babies, $10 - $20 to kids that you know (for example your nieces/nephews, your friend’s kids or your neighbour’s kids). For the people you see often, your security guard, your manicurist or even that aunty who always gives you free extra rice when you order ‘cai fan’, put in an extra $8 as a form of blessing. The Chinese believe that 8 is a lucky number.

-Same Amount for Family & Friends?

In Chinese tradition, the closeness of family and friends should be different. However, I understand that everyone has their circumstances, therefore feel free to give a close friend more. After all, giving out red packets means giving out luck.

Speaking of hierarchy, the general rule of giving out red packets is that older people have to give to the younger ones and the ones who are married has to give to the unmarried. However, there may be situations where the married ones are the younger people. For this, I’d say there is no fixed etiquette, as once you’re working, you’re considered as a ‘working adult’, so you may give if you’re comfortable.

Now that we’ve answered all the hard questions, let’s take a look at the proper way to receive red packets!

For the receivers:

-Receive with 2 Hands

The most important gesture when you receive a red packet is to receive them with both of your hands. This gives respect to the receiver and shows them that you’re thankful for the luck you’re receiving from them.

-Say a Greeting

Yes, I know that it can be awkward and embarrassing especially if your mandarin is broken and you have no idea what you’re saying, but tradition is tradition. Score bonus points with your relatives when you memorise higher-level phrases like 财源广进 (cái yuán guǎng jìn) or 和氣吉祥全家樂 (hé qì jí xiáng quán jiā lè)!

Congrats! You’re definitely all set now that you’ve read some of the red packet etiquette listed above, but have you forgotten one very important thing- catering for your CNY event? Not to worry because you can find a list of CNY menus here: https://www.foodline.sg/chinese-new-year-catering/

With every CNY menu order, you are also entitled to our free and exclusive goodie bag which includes our very own mandarin orange bags and red packets! For more info click here: https://www.foodline.sg/Discover/cny2020promo/