Filipino Wedding Glossary › Ang pao
Ang pao
Pronunciation: AHNG-pow
Origin: Hokkien (also Mandarin hongbao), red envelope tradition observed in Chinese-Filipino weddings
A red envelope containing money, given to the couple at Chinese-Filipino weddings as a wish for prosperity.
Ang pao (Hokkien, also called hongbao in Mandarin) is the red envelope containing money given at Chinese-Filipino weddings. Red signals luck and joy; the gift is a wish for prosperity.
Amounts vary by relationship to the couple and family custom. Even numbers are preferred (8 is especially auspicious); the number 4 is avoided. Couples often have a designated tito or tita to receive ang pao at the reception.
In the Philippines, ang pao is used at weddings, Chinese New Year, birthdays, and other milestones. The wedding context is the largest amount most people will give in a year.