Maria Elaine Hernandez 
“Just remember, the true spirit of Christmas resides in your heart.”
– Santa Claus, The Polar Express
With just four days remaining until Christmas Day, Filipinos embrace the festive atmosphere that has been present since September, marking the longest Christmas celebration. Many of what makes this season is the streets coming alive with lights, people exuding warmth in joyful caroling, and the spirit of gift-giving.
“Ang pao” or “hongbao” is a red envelope traditionally containing money and is usually given during occasions in Chinese and other East Asian cultures for good wishes. Its popularity, however, extends to Christmas. Opting for Ang pao over material gifts offers practicality, allowing recipients the freedom to use the gifted amount as they see fit.
Legend tells of a night demon named Sui who terrifies children by touching their heads. One child had to play with coins wrapped in red paper to stay awake and avoid being visited by Sui but fell asleep nonetheless. It was believed that the coins and red paper had scared off Sui. This gave rise to a custom associating the color red with warding off negative spirits.
When giving Ang pao, it’s customary for the amount inside to be in even numbers and also not in fours, as odd numbers are associated with funerals and four sounds almost the same as death in Chinese. When receiving one, it’s proper etiquette to accept it with both hands and refrain from opening it in front of the giver.
The true spirit of Christmas does lie in our hearts, but it still wouldn’t be too much to ask to receive Ang pao, would it?
