First of all I want to wish Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri to all my Muslim reader around the globe. Today I will be talking about Green envelope or "sampul duit raya" in Malay language. A green envelope (Malay: sampul hijau or sampul duit raya) is the Malay adaptation of the Chinese red envelope or ang pow, where Malay Muslims in Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore hand out money in green envelopes to their guests who visit their homes during Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
The reason behind the green colour is simply its association with the Islamic paradise. The idea of handing out green envelopes is based on the Islamic concept of zakat, where every Muslim is required to provide at least 2.5% mainly to the needy. However, providing green envelopes to others in Malay homes during Aidilfitri today is not only given to the poor guests, but also to the middle class and to the upper class. The amount of money depends on how much the host can afford to give their guests. The envelope nowadays come with different sizes and color (not just green color).
In Malaysia, Green envelope are given to any kids below the age of 12 years old that meet and greet Selamat Hari Raya to that particular person. I am remembering 20 years back, people would normally give at least one ringgit in the green packet. Nowadays, most green packet come with at least five ringgit. Some parents also give their Green packet to their children for a full month of fasting to encourage them doing so.
Happy Eid ul-Fitr to all my muslim Reader around the world.
Source: wikipedia
