KUCHING: Young, unmarried individuals are eagerly anticipating Chinese New Year, driven by the excitement of collecting and counting the red packets (angpows) received at the end of the celebration.
However, the growing popularity of e-angpows and the incentives offered by banks for electronic transfers as red packets may change the traditional thrill of receiving physical angpows and later checking the amount of cash inside the envelopes.
The question then arises: Do Angpow recipients prefer this shift towards digital red envelopes? Is it time to embrace Team Digital, or will Team Classical continue to hold sway?
Team Digital: One Point
Twenty-three-year-old software engineer Timmy Chin Fong Sheng has decided to switch allegiance and join Team Digital.
“I used to prefer traditional physical angpows, but now I would go for e-angpows, so Team Digital!” he expressed.
Chin backed up his claim with three reasons for the switch: convenience, adaptability, and innovation.
“I chose e-angpows over traditional angpows because I wouldn’t need to open and carry angpows one by one, making sure that all my angpows are still with me from house to house,” he explained.
With digitalization booming in Sarawak, he pointed out that most shops are accepting online payments, and some are no longer accepting cash.
“It’s much easier because I wouldn’t need to travel to the bank and deposit my money, and since most stores are adapting to online payments and some are not even receiving cash anymore,” he stressed.
To Chin, e-angpows bring a “fresh” sensation and the thrilling anticipation it carries.
“Receiving e-angpows is quite new to most people, so trying something new and feeling refreshed could be interesting and enjoyable,” he said.
So, Team Digital scores one point!
Team Classical: Two Points
On the other hand, Aileen Yap, a student at UNIMAS (University Malaysia Sarawak), and Simon Hardin, an A-level student, have earned Team Classical two points.
Yap confidently maintains her stance, finding excitement in the intricate designs of each angpow every year.
“I’m Team Classical all the way! I’m always excited to see the design of the angpows that they will give and, of course, receiving the cash notes!” expressed 24-year-old Yap.
Furthermore, 19-year-old Hardin supports the Classical Team because of the tradition and nostalgia it brings.
“Physical for me because the physical red packet and cash bring a traditional, nostalgic feeling to Chinese New Year,” he explained.
Winning Team: Team Digital or Team Classical?
Marscella Ling, a 19-year-old Sarawakian student currently studying in China, takes a neutral stance by awarding a point to each team, favouring e-angpows from friends and physical angpows from family.
“I prefer to receive e-angpows from friends because we rarely gather physically now, but physical angpows from family,” she stated.
The Chinese tradition and custom of saying blessings and wishes like ‘Gong Xi Fa Cai’ (Wishing you wealth and prosperity) and ‘Sheng Ti Jian Kang’ (May you have good health) hold a deep place in Ling’s heart.
“I love the custom of having to say a few traditional phrases to my parents before receiving the angpows,” she stressed.
Thus, Team Classical still prevails as the dominant team as of this interview.
E-angpows as a Tradition Breaker
Despite diverse opinions and Team Classical prevailing, Chin, Yap, and Ling agree on one aspect: the method of receiving red packets affects the significance and meaning of the gesture during Chinese New Year.
“I think people tend to forget that red angpows symbolize good wishes and luck for the new year ahead. Chinese New Year is not just about receiving money but welcoming the new year while also giving blessings and wishes,” reflected Yap.
Chin takes a more practical view, stating that e-angpows kill the “opening angpow suspense.”
“I think it does affect the significance and meaning behind the nature of receiving and giving angpows, but particularly, it changes the suspense of opening angpows. I would normally only open the angpow once I leave the house I’m visiting, as a sign of respect. But now, with just a tap, I can easily reveal the amount at the house,” he explained.
To Ling, the tradition of receiving physical angpows holds great significance because of the wishes and prayers she receives from the givers.
“For me, the angpows usually come with a blessing prayer or wish, and you can see the giver’s facial expression, the atmosphere of the surroundings that always create a sense of home and uplift the Chinese New Year spirit for me. This atmosphere and tingling nostalgic sensation are difficult to adapt with e-angpows,” she said.
Regardless of Team Classical or Team Digital, the act of giving red packets remains crucial and meaningful to recipients, symbolizing the giver’s blessing of luck.
