When I was younger (way younger), one of the most common topics after chinese new year was to compare how much ang pow (red packets) we received over the new year’s visiting. I have to admit mine was always below average. But still, I enjoyed the part where we opened our ang pows and guess who they were from. Couple of years back when I started working, I decided to donate the money from the ang pows to charity because I felt I was too old (even though I’m not married) to take them. While I still get quite a fair bit of ang pows from weddings, I used to spend them whenever I needed cash.
2 years ago, I decided to keep aside those ang pows and only open them when the year ends. One of the reasons was because I didn’t want to get stressed over the pictures if I knew someone gave me a fat ang pow. The very same reason why I generally do not ask where my couples work or their family background. These information are unnecessary for my work and I do not see how they can help me in my approach on the wedding day. That year, I decided that I would donate everything I collected in the year to charity. Since ang pows symbolize good luck, the good karma goes back to the people who gave them to me.
I remember my mentor once said that we should always give back to the society, through whatever avenues, that’s really up to us.
Here’s wishing everyone a Happy Lunar New Year!!
家和万事兴!!
Oh yes, I have to say this too. Have a shark’s fins free New Year!!:D
