Is a $2 Ang Pao too low?

What would you do if you receive a $2 Ang Pao?

In this Facebook post, a posted a photo and alleged video of an Ang Pao that contains $2. The user asked the public in his now-defunct post if they would accept this red envelope:

In the post above (that has since been taken down), you can see that he looks on in disbelief as he pulls only $2 from an Ang Pao he received.

Traditionally, the Ang Pao received would range from $4 to $10.

In a report from the Straits Times, some people would also prefer to give delicacies and food during the Lunar New Year, while other are very generous with their red envelopes.

Also, some people in the report said that the tradition of giving red packets to parents and children exist, and have differences across families.

People in agreement

Further in the post, the user also commented that the Ang Pao was received from a female relative, and that the relative had allegedly been giving the same amount in her red envelopes for a few years. The user also said that he had taken note of this and would remember the relative for next year.

The other commenters who agreed with the original person who posted said that the amount in the $2 Ang Pao was not enough to buy chicken Rice or the train fare to go see and visit the relative who gave the amount. Others said that it was a reflection of the user’s worth to the relative.

Other commenters also said that it may also be more common than other people thought, as they had also received the same amount in several Ang Pao this year.

People who disagree

While there were people who agreed with the post, others gave their two cents:

1. You should be grateful that you had somewhere you could celebrate Lunar New Year.
2. You should be grateful for whatever amount you receive.
3. Younger people expect a certain amount but do not give value or respect elders in the traditional way. Some say that younger people only expect the Ang Pao.

What do other netizens say?

On forums for Singaporeans, commenters said that people have forgotten the significant of the Ang Pao.

Some said what they would do if the person who posted the complaint were his child.

Another comment mentioned that $2 is still an amount of money.

Some liked to reminisce.

Others were not impressed with the amount.

This post tried to educate people as to what the red packets are all about and other traditions.

Some just said you shouldn’t give Ang Pao.

While some pointed out that parents hand out red packets even to ungrateful children.

Does this Facebook user have no gratitude or was the person who gave this plain disrespectful or stingy?

In this post, the user also talked to his friends and other commenters that expressed both agreement and dismay over the contents of the Ang Pao.

On one hand, there are people who say that the content of the Ang Pao reflects your worth to your family. Some even said that a $2 Ang Pao doesn’t even cover a meal or a train ticket.

Where does it say that Ang Paos should follow the inflation rate?

On the other hand, there are people who say that you should be grateful for what you get. You should also be grateful for celebrating the holiday with your family.

What do you think of this post?

No Ang Pao? Grab can give you some!

Let us know in the comments!

Header image from Shutterstock.