Every year in the beginning of February, I get ecstatic about receiving this red packet. This red packet is symbolic of the new year in China. First time my mother gave me this red packet, I was 1 years old and living in Fuzhou, China.  It was also the time I got burned but had a learning experience that  “things always work out” . I decided that it was a good idea to put my hands on the handle of a hot soup and I yanked it and both of my hands got blisters. And every year after I continued getting the red packet always remembering that everything will always work out.  A red packet, also known as hongbao in Chinese, is a traditional gift of money in a red envelope given during holidays and special occasions. It is most associated with Chinese New Year but is also given at weddings, birthdays, and graduations. The red packet symbolizes good luck, prosperity, and blessings for the recipient, while the red color is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. The red packet followed me when we moved to New York.  I was 6 when I immigrated to America.

– Jing

Relationship:  Im/migrant Im/migrant