Here’s my interpretation of Chinese New Year’s - it’s probably a skewed version of various truths because honestly, depending on who you ask, some answers vary.

So I’m Canadian, why am I giving red pockets?

I sometimes use the double standard that I’m a Canadian who just happens to look Chinese, but I think it did get to a point where me living in HK and having kids have changed how people view me as a Canadian.  Most colleagues are locals and so they don’t really buy that bullshit.  Plus, my husband’s extended family expect it, and so does your security staff where you live, the waitresses and servers you know at the restaurants you frequent and then some of your unmarried friends who try to scrape a buck or two off you.  Plus, with nieces and newphews a plenty, it’s a nice tradition for them to carry since they teach it at school.  This year, I spent 1 hour stuffing pockets.  It’s a tedious thing.

When do you stop giving red pockets?

I’ve heard 7, 10 and 14 days from the first day of Chinese New Year’s from various sources.  Maybe it depends on how much disposable income you have.

What denominations do you give?

The denomination isn’t a reflection of your generosity,  it certainly isn’t mine!  I suppose you give what you feel is within your means.  I’ve heard that during the recessions, people were giving far less (ie: SARs) and it should be more symbolic than a means to make money.  I certainly don’t want my kids expecting me to shovel out lots of $$ just for their red pockets.  You know they make “gold” coins out of chocolate right?

Who gives red pockets?  Who receives?

The tradition goes that married people give red pockets.  Sometimes you’ll give/get 2, that means you know the couple - but if you know only 1 person, techically you get one.  Bosses also give red pockets to all their direct reports or staff - that’s just Chinese tradition.  Parents will definitely give to their children and unmarried relatives or younger generation.  I’m still a bit skeptical and gray about how you deal with unmarried “older” people - like people who are my age.  Normally, my husband does give to his friends who aren’t married, but I tend to think there is a line you draw, especially as we get older.  But then, I sit on the fence because it’s merely symbolic and well, Chinese New Year’s is supposed to be a time of giving.

What else goes down during Chinese New Year’s?

You also eat various things like seeds, lotus cake, year cake (aka “nian go” or something like that).  You also tape up pre-printed or scripted traditional sayings that bring luck or health or fortune.    You also visit family and have dinners and lunches through the wazoo… it never ends.  You eat yourself silly and then try to gorge everyone still silly at the same time.   It’s a family and friend time and basically a good time in general.  Some of the weird and wacky traditions I’ve heard from different people:

• Can’t wash your hair the 1st day of Chinese New Year’s (else you’ll wash away all your good luck)
• Can’t sweep your floor either (else you’ll sweep out all the good luck)
• Can’t buy new shoes after Chinese New Year’s (or else you’ll be sighing ["hai hai" in Cantonese] for the rest of the year)
• Shouldn’t visit people’s houses with empty hands (aka bananas, just your fingers)
• When people visit your house, you should have treats and snacks available for them (seeds and stuff)

Anyways, Happy Chinese New Year’s to everyone.  Hope you’re enjoying the holidays like I am - just love spending down time with the kiddies and my family.  Definitely need more of this.