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When the informants grandma sends her money for her birthday, Chinese New Year, or Christmas it’s always in red envelopes, which are part of the Chinese tradition. The envelope contains two dollar bills or even numbers; but never ends in the number three because it is unlucky in Chinese culture.

Context

She was taught this by her mom, because she was always wondering why she was getting two dollar bills. A two dollar bill adds to the idea that it is lucky and unique. The informant was told this when she was younger and now when she receives these envelopes she knows the meaning behind the two dollar bill.

Analysis

Society over decades has created many meanings to numbers ranging from luck to the devils number such as 6. I also think the fact that a two dollar bill is in the envelope is significant because those are rare and usually people don’t have those. This number superstition reminds me of angel numbers, making a wish on 11:11, and more. This is a living tradition because it’s, “something that is being done, mode of activity that represents the past, based on performance”. As this has been tradition in the informants family for many years.