Before I start, I would just like to let you know that this is a continuation from my previous post "Counting down to Syawal" in which, as you can read in that post, I will talk about issues that are related to Hari Raya. The first topic was about whether you think that there is a need to buy everything new to replace your old stuff such as curtains or carpets in preparation of Hari Raya, but my second topic for the series will talk about everyone favourite part of the celebration, well at least for the children, and that is the green packets or in malay we like to call it 'duit raya' which means raya money.
I know that the Chinese also have their own red packets as well but since Hari Raya is coming up, lets just focus on it. I would like to know at which age do you think someone should stop receiving the green packets. From my experience, I can say that the 'official age' is at 18 years-old. I think most people will stop giving green packets to someone who have completed their secondary school years. That was what I noticed from my previous Hari Raya experience. When it is time for you to leave, you will have to shake the hands of the elderly, and they will then give you the green packet. Now for people of my age, Im sure you would agree with me that it is becoming a much more awkward situation for you to shake hands with the elderly, especially with someone whom you dont really know. If you are fortunate, he/she will give you the green packet without asking your age or whether you are still schooling or working, but if you're not, then they will ask your age or whether you are still a student. The definition of student though varies with different people. Some of them will give you even if you are not schooling in a secondary school anymore, but some of them will stop giving once they hear you are studying in a higher institution such as the Polytechnic or ITEs.
Then there is another group of people, and these are the ones who doesn't ask you anything when giving out the green packets. They will try and make a guess on your age or whether you are schooling anymore by looking at your body size or your looks. I think you should have some friends who do not look like most of the people their age. They might be 18 but their physical appearance might give them the impression that they are only 15 or 16 or otherwise. They could either count themselves lucky or unlucky because it all depends on what others think of them. If they are lucky, then they will receive the green packet without any question asked, even though most people of their age doesn't get it but if they are unlucky, then of course they will not get any even though technically speaking, they are 'eligible' to get them. You dont expect them to ask the guests why they didn't received any green packet because that is just a rude thing to do. You still can though 'cheat' the guest of their green packets. If you are going to somebody house that you dont really know of, it could be your parents friend, and you are really sure that they have no idea of what your age is or where are you schooling, you should ask your parents to start a conversation with them about their child's education, and then tell them about yours, by lying to them. What I mean is, you should tell your parents beforehand to lie about your age or your education status, if it is being ask by someone that you dont really know of by telling them that you had yet to graduate from secondary school when in actual truth, you have.
Well, thats it from me. Last year, I still managed to get some green packets, it was not much, but still who doesn't love money. Im not sure about this year though, maybe I will get, maybe not. I think this year, even if I get, it will mostly be $2 especially with the current uncertainty in the global economy. $2 is better than having nothing, so if anyone gives me money, I cant say just say no. If I can get at least 100 bucks, I would be grateful. Till then, share your views on the topic.
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