GUY NOT HAPPY WITH FATHER, DOESN’T EVEN WANT TO ACCEPT HIS ANG PAO & MONEY

Is it culturally ok to return angbao money back to parents?

Sorry if this is an odd question, ill cut to the chase. My dad paynow’d me angbao money for CNY. For reasons that i will not get into, I do not like my dad.

I resent him for the things he’s done and i don’t want his money.

Is it culturally acceptable for me to return the money back to him? I’m quite ‘superstitious’ myself but im not very culturally connected to my chinese roots so i don’t know much besides things like not cleaning the house during cny days and don’t open angbao money until after cny days.

Netizens’ comments

1. The angbao is meant to convey good wishes. It is not about the money.
   If you don’t wish to keep the money, pass the sum to your mum or whoever lives with him and ask them to buy ingredients and cook him a good meal.
2. Do you mean you’re superstitious instead of auspicious?
   Generally CNY is all about good vibes and having a good start to the year. Fighting, arguments, disagreements are also discouraged. If you wanna keep to that, then I suggest just keeping the money for now. It’s his goodwill, and it would be generous of you to accept it.
   However, if you’re too uncomfortable with that, if it makes you feel better, just transfer him back the money, whether it’s superstitious or not.
3. Not sure why you need to check if it is culturally ok since you already resent him lol. If you really want to return then pack it in a red packet. Who knows it might patch some aspects of your relationship with him.
4. it certainly would look disrespectful if I didn’t know the history between you and your dad. if that’s the intention then you just transfer him back.
   otherwise maybe buy him something with that money and take it as you have no debt.