The Red envelope is quite popular among Chinese people. Although it first appeared as a gift for children in Spring Festival, it can be used on many occasions now. Meanwhile，some bad customs come out as well.
For instance，people often prepare red envelopes when they are invited to a friend’s wedding ceremony. And the amount can be quite large compared to that of spring festival’ red envelopes. The situation goes even worse when people compete with others because they will feel ashamed if they give less money. Therefore some people have to spend a lot of money on red envelopes，which is a heavy burden for them.
As there are people paying money，there are people who benefit from this. Some people find it a way of making a fortune. As a result，they become addicted to holding feasts. When they marry，they hold a feast；when they have a baby，they hold a feast；when the baby is one-month old，they hold a feast；when their child is accepted to the university，they hold a feast；when the child grows up and marries，he himself holds a feast. And all the guests invited to the feast will give a large red envelope generously.
Moreover，the red envelope can help to commit a crime. It is often used as a tool of bribery. Some doctors even receive money form patients. Although some of the patients may be willing to give a red envelope to express their gratitude，those who don’t give money will worry that doctors might not try their best，and they finally have to give a red envelope to make sure they can receive the best treatment.
Personally，I think all those bad customs have changed the original meaning of the red envelope. It was supposed to be a symbol of blessing at first.，and people was supposed to give it of their free will，but now ，the red envelope becomes a misery for people who“have to”pay for it and an ATM machine for people who own it.. Maybe it is time for us to cool down and think about what we really want from a red envelope.
I quite agree with you. I also find red envelopes now seem to have lost their original meaning.I think your ideas are critical and we Chinese really need to cool down to let ourselves to become less crazy about material lives.
ReplyDeleteI think your topic is quite interesting and critical!! I like it very much! I agree with you on most of the points in your article. Nowadays, red envolopes are always used as a tool to give quite a lot money to a person. Mostly, they are used when a person need another person who is in a higher status to help. It also reflects that Chinese sociaty is one based on relationships. I really feel sick of these kinds of things. All in all, i think you did a good job!(^O^)~
ReplyDeleteThe red envelop is the custome which is left by our ancestor. I do not know whether it is good or not, but the many situation of giving red envelop as you say is really a bad habbit. I have come across also. What cause this social behavior is worthy to be thought about.
ReplyDeleteMay be red envelop is not too bad. It is true there are many bribery caused by red envelop. But It is the matter of people themselves.Red envelop is also a good way to develop people's relationships
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