Within my heart resides a cherished object, a red envelope. Beyond its appearance as an envelope containing money, the object holds significance to my family and me as it is a gift of love that binds the strands of my culture together during special occasions.  Tracing the tradition’s origin to China, although my parents lived a calm life, they harbored a desire to live the American Dream. They embarked on their arduous journey of immigration to America, and despite slowly assimilating into the mixing pot of culture, my parents made sure to stay faithful to the Chinese tradition of distributing red envelopes. From a young age, those who received my gift of love radiated with a golden smile, mirroring my own that reached from one ear to the other. Years ago on Chinese New Year, I recall helping my grandmother prepare the red envelopes, sneakily inserting additional money in some of them in an attempt to assist members of my family that I believed needed it the most. Reflecting, I realize that my actions were foolish as the extra funds belonged to my grandmother. In reality, she needed the money more than anyone else, yet her generous spirit insisted on selflessly sharing.  As each day passes, I celebrate the presence of this cherished item within my heart, recognizing how this tradition has shaped my family, and how each envelope I receive has only made me feel more connected and closer than ever to the ones I love most. 

– Hopson Tan

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant