Ang Pow Packets

For those of you who wouldn't know, an Ang Pow or red packet is a little red, decorated envelope. It is a Chinese custom, used to give gifts of money, big or small, on special occassions. It may be for Chinese New Year, a wedding, a birth, or any other event (see the slide show at right. BTW, I have no idea who the people in the pics are. I pulled those off the web!) Ang Pow can be plain or very decorated, usually red but sometimes gold or also can simply be pale pink. Elders give gifts to younger and those not yet married. Once married you have to give to the younger ones. Children enjoy collecting as many as possible at CNY or birthdays. They can be a little as two dollars but sometimes a much more substantial gift for a big occassion or from an especially good friend or close family member.
My good friend is sending some in the mail to decorate with this year. In M'sia, they are given out free from the shops and banks, so it is easy to get a good supply for that year. The designs change each year to match that year. Don't mistakenly give out last years design if it is too obvious! hehe. I went to several Asian food stores, thinking I could probably buy a set of ang pow packets-but they didn't have any! Not that they were willing to give up, anyway. I didn't know it would be so hard to get this item in the US! When the packets arrive from my friend, I will save three back for my children, three to give to my nephews and niece and use the rest to decorate our home.
Maybe I should try to grow an orange tree like in the picture! Isn't it cute?