An ‘amah’ (Cantonese domestic servants) would distribute ‘ang pows’ (red packets containing money) to the mistress-of-ceremony as well as friends and relatives who witnessed her ‘sor hei’ (combing up) ceremony, which was considered a rite of passage and equivalent to a wedding. In exchange, guests would present gifts of jewellery or red packets to the amah. To celebrate the event, guests would either be treated to a feast at a restaurant or vegetarian food at home. Amahs would also give ang pows to the children under their care on special occasions such as Chinese New Year and birthdays.
