Lucky money

The whole family — uncles, aunts and cousins — had gathered in full, and the grandchildren lined up to wait for the eldest uncle to give lucky money. But getting lucky money from the eldest uncle was rather difficult, because you had to answer one of his questions correctly. By now it had become a custom of the clan: on the first day of the year, a fun quiz to receive lucky money from the eldest uncle. The eldest uncle sat in state in the middle with a stack of guaranteed high-quality lucky-money envelopes. The parents, uncles and aunts sat on either side, watching and cheering on their children and grandchildren.

The eldest uncle called the children up one by one and asked each a question; whoever answered to his satisfaction received an envelope. He did not remember the name of every child either; he only knew that any child standing in the line was a child or grandchild of his, and that was all.

- What is health for, child?

• Eldest Uncle, health is for training, studying and contributing, following the example of the great Uncle Hồ.
  The eldest uncle seemed taken by surprise and looked at the grandson, as big as an elephant:
• You talk like an official! - and handed over an envelope.
  The grandson thanked him happily and ran out to the yard holding the envelope.

- What are clothes for, child?

• Eldest Uncle, clothes are for showing respect for the community.
  The eldest uncle looked at the child in surprise:
• Where did you get such a fine saying? - and handed over an envelope.

- What is money for, child?

• Eldest Uncle, money is for buying game cards.
  The whole row of uncles and aunts cried out in alarm. The eldest uncle said sternly:
• Go back and stand at the end of the line to think again.

- What is going to school for, child?

• Eldest Uncle, I go to school so that Dad doesn't give me a beating.
  Many "oh"s rose up. The child went back to the line.

- Why must we love our country, child?

• Eldest Uncle, because the country is something sacred in the flesh and blood and in the soul of a human being.
  The eldest uncle nodded, pleased, and handed over an envelope.

- What is knowledge for, child?

• Eldest Uncle, knowledge helps us live and work without making mistakes.
  An envelope.

- Why must we learn foreign languages, child?

• Eldest Uncle, we learn foreign languages to erase the borders between countries, so that humanity can be closer together.
  An envelope.

- Why must we show filial respect to our parents, child?

• Eldest Uncle, I can only answer this question with tears; words are not enough.
  An envelope.

- What do you think when you see litter scattered on the road?

• Eldest Uncle, I think it is the shame of the nation.
  An envelope.

- Do you love and respect your teachers?

• Eldest Uncle, I knew there would surely be this question, so throughout the past year I have always loved and respected my teachers, so that now I can say with all sincerity that I love and respect them very much.
  An envelope.

- What will you do when you grow up?

• Eldest Uncle, I haven't settled on my profession yet; I only know that I will do whatever serves the community, the country and humanity.
  An envelope.

- In your neighbourhood, who is the poorest person?

• Er, I haven't noticed.
  Back to the line.

- If you become rich later, what will you do?

• Eldest Uncle, if I become rich later, I will hang around the hospital to find out about poor patients and give them money.
  Everyone was surprised at this unusual idea. An envelope.

- What food do you like to eat most?

• Eldest Uncle, I like to eat whatever many people eat together in a warm and happy atmosphere.
  An envelope.
  👨‍👨‍👧‍👧

Let us imitate this way of giving lucky money.