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Master the art of giving ang baos—Singapore's beloved tradition of gifting luck, prosperity, and heartfelt blessings!
Receiving a red envelope—known as hong bao in Mandarin, ang bao or ang pao in Hokkien — is a cherished part of Chinese culture.
Whether it’s a wedding, a birthday, graduation, a business milestone, or the much-anticipated Chinese New Year in Singapore, the humble ang pow is always present, bringing joy, luck, and a dash of excitement to any celebration.
More than just cash in red packets, ang baos are steeped in tradition and cultural meaning—which also makes them a little tricky. How much should you give? Who gets one?
Let’s unravel the art of ang bao giving together!
An ang bao is a red envelope traditionally filled with money. The red colour symbolises good luck and prosperity.
The red envelope is also known as ya sui qian, or "suppressing age money." In this context, “sui” (岁) means age, and the belief is that this money can ward off misfortune and slow aging.
The tradition of the ang bao dates back to the Han dynasty, but giving children money during celebrations became an established custom during the Song and Yuan dynasties (960–1368).
The modern concept of the red packet emerged in early 20th-century China. It’s based on a popular legend that tells of the Eight Immortals transforming into coins to save a child from a demon named Sui.
These coins were wrapped in red paper and placed under the child’s pillow to keep the demon at bay—a practice that evolved into today’s ang bao tradition.
Red packets are a familiar sight in Singapore, especially during Chinese New Year, but the tradition is also embraced at weddings, birthdays, and other milestones.
While you’ll likely see more of the classic red envelopes in Singapore, you’ll also spot pink or gold envelopes at celebrations.
And with the rise of e-gifting, ang bao QR codes are becoming a modern twist on a cultural classic.
The short answer: if you’re married, yes—you’re expected to give them to the younger and unmarried. If you’re single, you’re off the hook. But hey, no one’s stopping you if you’re feeling generous!
That also means you’re less likely to receive an ang bao. But don’t worry—it’s still common for married adults to receive ang baos from their parents or grandparents.
In traditional contexts, the amount in your ang bao carries symbolic meaning. When it comes to how much to give, there’s no strict amount, but here’s your rough guide:
When giving ang baos, offer your blessings and well wishes, and always present the packet with both hands—a sign of courtesy. When receiving, accept with both hands and express thanks, along with your own well-wishes (“新年快乐” [Xin Nian Kuai Le] or “恭喜发财” [Gong Xi Fa Cai] work perfectly).
The right time is usually upon arrival at a gathering, not when you’re leaving. But when it comes to opening your red packets, do so in private and never in front of the giver.
If you’re giving to elders during Chinese New Year, include a pair of tangerines for abundance. Don’t pester your elders for ang baos—wait patiently to be offered.
Ang baos come in all sorts of designs, so don’t rush your pick—pay attention to the symbols. Avoid using packets with the wrong zodiac sign or ones meant for other occasions.
Traditionally, ang bao giving follows a hierarchy where elders give to juniors, and seniors to younger members. However, it’s already become common to give back to elders as a sign of filial piety.
The circle has widened, too. You can include extended family members and anyone you want to extend your gratitude, love, and appreciation to, like helpers, service staff, and even employees.
While Chinese New Year is the prime ang bao season, it’s not the only occasion. Weddings, baby showers, graduations, milestone birthdays, and business openings also call for a well-stuffed red packet.
Some employers also give them out as festive bonuses—think of it as the ultimate thank-you note with cash.
Figuring out the right ang bao rate can feel tricky. Give too little, and you risk seeming stingy; give too much, and your bank balance might take a hit. The key is balancing tradition, relationships, and your budget.
Start by setting a realistic budget and categorizing recipients based on closeness. Immediate family members generally receive larger amounts, while acquaintances and service staff get smaller tokens.
Not sure how much to stuff in your wedding ang pow? The golden rule: aim to match the cost of your seat at the banquet. Or if you’re close to the couple, top it up a little to show your support.
According to SingaporeBrides, here’s the wedding ang bao 2026 ballpark rate:
Remember, these are just guidelines—not hard rules. Always consider your budget and how close you are to the couple.
If matching the per-seat cost isn’t doable, that’s okay. Give within your means—it’s the thought that counts.
When it comes to CNY ang bao, the amount you give depends on your relationship with the recipient.
For parents, grandparents, and spouses, there’s no strict rule—just give as much as your heart desires. That said, many go anywhere from $88 to as high as $2888 as a meaningful gesture of love and appreciation.
For nieces and nephews, $10 to $50 is typical. Colleagues and neighbours usually receive $6 to $20, while $2 to $6 is a nice token for acquaintances or service staff.
Remember, ang bao rates follow a top-down flow—elders to juniors, seniors to juniors. The closer the bond, the bigger the amount.
As always, let the bond guide the amount—but don’t feel pressured to overstretch. A sincere gift, no matter the size, carries just as much meaning.
Even the ang bao has gone digital. In a bid to reduce waste, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has been encouraging the use of eAngBaos.
Each year, more than 100 million new banknotes are printed for festive use—many of which are used just once and then destroyed. In fact, MAS estimates that the carbon emissions generated are equivalent to powering 430 4-room HDB flats for an entire year.
To support this sustainable shift, nearly all major banks in Singapore now offer eAngBaos. These digital red packets come with customisable greetings and festive designs—just like their physical counterparts. And they’re catching on fast.
In 2024, DBS reported that customers sending e-hongbaos via QR code or eGift on its PayLah! app doubled compared to the previous year. OCBC also noted that for the first time, more people sent digital hongbaos than withdrew cash—especially among those in their 30s and 40s.
Whether you’re using PayNow, DBS PayLah!, or printing a card with a QR code, sending an eAngBao is quick, convenient, and eco-friendly.
To send an eAngBao, make sure you have internet banking access. You can gift via QR code or PayNow, linked to your bank account.
If you still want something to give physically but want to reduce your carbon footprint, DBS offers DBS QR Gift Card, a gift card with a unique QR code recipients can scan.
Ang pows are more than just money in an envelope—they’re a vibrant expression of culture, respect, and connection. As you prepare your red packets for the next celebration, remember the tradition behind every gesture.
A thoughtful ang bao is always a gift of good fortune, no matter the amount or025055 format. At DayTech Gifts, we’re here to help you honor traditions and strengthen relationships with personalized corporate gifts and festive essentials, including beautifully customized ang pows. Let us elevate your celebrations with meaningful, memorable gifts that speak volumes about your care and appreciation. Explore our range of bespoke options today, and make every occasion one filled with joy, prosperity, and heartfelt connections.
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