China News Service, Beijing, February 11th: Title: "Guidelines for using New Year's money" for Taiwanese youth: Another year of fun and love
Author Zhang Yangbin
"One hundred and ten coins are worn with colorful threads, so you can divide them up and keep them for yourself." Distributing New Year's money to the younger generation is a "reserved item" for countless families during the New Year, and it is also the most anticipated New Year moment for children. This is true for mainland China, and so is Taiwan.
"Of course my dad saved it for me!" When talking about the use of the New Year's money, Chen Jiling from Kaohsiung said without hesitation in a phone interview with a reporter. Like the mainland, "parents help save" is a way for Taiwanese children to deal with their new year's money. Of course, this choice is often slightly "reluctant" in childhood.
"It's not that the parents 'cheated' the money. They really saved it and used it for tuition or other life events in the future." For Chen Jiling, this money is not only savings, but also a sense of security and being protected by his family. and testimony of love.
At the beginning of the new year, Taiwanese young man Chen Jiling received lucky money. (Photo provided by interviewee)
Of course, New Year's money can also be "turned into happiness" immediately.
Zhuang Wanqian, a high school student in Pingtung, said her first priority after receiving New Year's money was to buy scratch-offs. "It can be said that scratch-off is one of the most popular family games in Taiwan." Zhuang Wanqian said that on the first day of the Lunar New Year, the whole family "tested their luck" together to see a good sign. "Actually, it's just getting together with family and friends to have fun. How much you win is not that important."
It was already late at night when Zhuang Wanqian was interviewed by the reporter on the phone. She explained that during the Spring Festival, her family set up stalls at the New Year market to sell Taiwanese specialty snacks. Although she was young, she was also busy setting up, selling and packaging. “It’s hard work, but it’s also lively".
For Ke Yunzhu, who is from Chiayi, she was praised for being able to save money since she was a child. She is more willing to save her New Year's money and buy something big. "My mother would teach me the rules about New Year's money when I was young, such as keeping it under my pillow for a few days. I might keep it for a year, and then I would slowly save it for a few years to buy my favorite camera," Ke Yunzhu said.
"I haven't been able to go home to celebrate the New Year in the past two years, but my grandma also prepared red envelopes." Ke Yunzhu is now studying at Jinan University. This year is the first time she has gone home to celebrate the Spring Festival since she was in college. “This year I finally get to receive the red envelope from my elders in person.” After two years, Ke Yunzhu returned to his hometown with emotion. “My relatives’ children have grown up, and my parents have added a few more gray hairs. These changes make my heart flow.” Time has become concrete. I grow up so fast. After work, I have to prepare New Year red envelopes for my elders."
In Taiwan, children can usually collect New Year's money until they work or get married, and then switch to giving red envelopes to their elders as "New Year's money." There are also many families that even if the younger generation is already working, they will exchange red envelopes with their elders to express their blessings. Chen Jianan's family from Taipei is one of them. "I am a son, a younger brother, and an uncle. The circulation of red envelopes among family members is a blessing and happiness." He said in a telephone interview with reporters.
Having arrived, Chen Jian'an still recalled the last Lunar New Year when he received a red envelope from his grandfather. "My grandfather is a majestic patriarch, and I am his most beloved grandson. He said to me with sincerity and sincerity that I must keep in mind the traditions of the family and respect our elders. Work hard." Although my grandfather has passed away, his words still seem to linger in my ears. Over the years, Chen Jianan has established a media company and has a successful career. "I hope to make my grandpa proud of me."
At the beginning of the new year, Chen Jianan shared this year's family portrait on social platforms as he did in previous years. Relatives sit together in a warm atmosphere, praying for peace and happiness, and looking forward to the new year being better than the old one. (over)