Red Pockets

Today I got my first red pockets in last few years, I am so happy! It is not about the money, but I can feel the atmosphere of Chinese New Year.

Working in Beijing, I found there are huge differences in customs between Mainland, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Red Pockets
- Mainland: Red Pockets are only given to kids/youngsters in your close families or from your very close friends. You need not to give red pockets to your coworkers/ so-so friends. Since you will not give a lot of red pockets, people tend to fill the red pockets with stacks of RMB$100 notes. People tends to have specific red pocket to specific people. Giving red pockets means that you are important to me.

- Hong Kong: Red Pockets are given to any SINGLES. No matter whether you are a baby or a 50 year old guy, you can get red pockets from the married. You can get red pockets from whoever you know, including relatives, coworkers, schoolmates... etc. So people tend to have stacks of red pockets in varied amount, putting in different pocket in jacket for men/ pursue for women. So they can choose the RIGHT amount for the RIGHT person. Giving red pockets means that I know you (and I can't avoid seeing you during CNY). The amount of red pocket indicates how important you are.

- Taiwan: Red Pockets are given to kids who did not start working. Once you start working, you can't get any red pockets any more. On the other hand, once you start working (even you are not married), you need to give red pockets. Giving red pockets means that I have a job and ability now.

If I were a kid, I would choose to live in China, since you can get the thick-stack red pockets. Being an adult, I definitely love being in Hong Kong. Get red pockets as old as I can.