Why Gong Xi Fa Cai?

Why do Chinese like to say Gong Xi Fa Cai during Chinese New Year?

Gong Xi Fa Cai, when translated to English, means, "Congratulations for you've prospered".

Obviously prosperity here means monetary increase, you know lah, Chinese people, everything also money.

Some people say Gong Xi Fa Cai when they receive angpau's. What if they person that gave the angpau did not actually prosper, but made a huge loss before CNY? Some people give angpau out of obligation.

So if you say Gong Xi Fa Cai to everybody, you might actually hurt some people who did not 'fa cai'. Ouch! Imagine the hurt.


During Chinese New Year also kena hurt. Imagine the level of self-esteem, will shoot down like 1987 and 1997 economy crisis.



So i don't say Gong Xi Fa Cai during Chinese New Year. Just say simple things like Happy New Year, or Thank You (with a smile) when people give me angpau. Simple rite? Won't hurt anyone.