Lucky money is a cultural feature of Vietnamese Tet, associated with wishes for peace, luck and joy of reunion, symbolizing a good start to the new year.
However, along with the changes in social life, the perception of lucky money is also gradually changing.
On social networks, many people share their stories, ask for opinions on the appropriate amount of lucky money, reflecting the thoughts and invisible pressures that this custom brings.
Ms. Nguyen Thao (31 years old, Quang Ngai) shared: "This is the first year I have celebrated Tet at my husband's house, so I feel a little pressure about giving lucky money. I don't know how to send it to grandparents, parents and grandchildren properly, at least I'm afraid of being judged as stingy, but at most it exceeds my financial capacity. Although I know lucky money is for good luck at the beginning of the year, I don't want to lose points.
Not only newlyweds, many young people also encounter similar thoughts.
Mr. Dinh Thang (27 years old, Ho Chi Minh City) said: "This year, the economy is facing many difficulties, my work is not much affected, but the Tet bonus has decreased. Therefore, I am also a bit confused in preparing lucky money for Tet. I myself do not want to be inferior to previous years, but if I keep the old spending level, my financial situation will be affected.
Also having similar concerns, Ms. Nguyen Hanh (34 years old, Hanoi) said that she was very worried about giving lucky money because she was afraid of being compared, but then changed her approach.
My husband and I agreed that giving lucky money is within our ability, the important thing is the wishes and how to behave. Last year, we clearly told both families that we would prioritize saving for our children, everyone sympathized. Since then, I have felt much lighter," Ms. Hanh shared.
According to her, when frankly discussing, invisible pressure is also gradually relieved.
Another story that is often mentioned is the lucky money between the paternal and maternal sides. Not just numbers, this is also how each person shows concern and responsibility to both families.
Ms. Thu Le (35 years old, Da Nang) shared: "My husband and I often have to calculate about lucky money for both parents, but most of them send the same amount of money to show balance.
Lucky money is not a measure of affection or comparison. When this custom is seen with simplicity and sincerity, it will return to its original meaning.
Giving lucky money within their ability, giving good wishes and cherishing reunion is perhaps what makes Tet light and cozy.
