THE LUCKY MONEY COMPLEXITY: WHO GIVES AND WHO RECEIVES?
Happy Chinese New Year! When I was growing up, I loved the Lucky Money tradition during Chinese New Year. In fact, it was probably my favourite part of Chinese New Year. I mean, what’s not to like? I say a Chinese New Year Greeting (if you want to learn how to say the 21 Most Popular Greetings, then click here), and bham, I received a red envelope containing money. It’s awesome right?
But now, as I grow older and thereby, more mature (methinks), I start to wonder, when do I give a lucky money, and from whom do I receive one from? So I went around and asked my HK coworkers, and it’s actually very simple and boils down to 3 simple questions. Read on to find out what they are.
THE LUCKY MONEY 3 QUESTION PROCESS
Since I wanted this to be more entertaining, I’ve decided to make another infographic to make this more aesthetically appealing for the eyes. The caveat I have for this infographic is that it appeals to only those after they enter adulthood. Generally speaking, unless you marry before you’re 21, you really don’t have to worry about giving lucky money and should just try to get as much as possible =P. I think the lines get more blurred when you get mid-twenties and older and that’s when you should start considering the 3 questions and if you need to start giving out lucky money.
Alright, so without further ado!
SPECIAL NOTE: Revel in the fact that you’re going to get the best service of your entire year right before and during Chinese New Year, but don’t get too comfortable because the service level rapidly declines after the lucky money period ends. In addition, you’re going to meet so many new security guards, and cleaning ladies that you’ve never known of their existence until now. Everybody will be incredibly helpful to you during this period of time during Chinese New Year and extremely cheerful. I also swear that they rotate shifts more quickly than usual to get the maximum amount of exposure to different guests to get the maximum amount of lucky money – prepare more of your lowest denomination than you think you will need because you’ll be surprised how fast the lucky envelopes go! Besides that, understand it’s all in the spirit of the season and in the spirit of giving – it’s only once a year =)
Hope that provided some clarity to whom you should be running away from, and whom to be seeking out =P I joke; lucky money is all about giving good fortune to others and wishing everybody a good year – it’s all about the spirit of giving! If you’re on the receiving end of the lucky money, make sure you ace your Seaon’s Greetings. We have a post on the 21 Most Popular Chinese New Year’s Greeting so you’ll be able to impress all your friends.
