If you have seen money or red packets placed by the hand of the deceased at a Chinese funeral, you may have wondered what it is for. It is not money for the journey. The older generation call it “hand money” (手尾钱, shou wei qian): the last money passed down from the deceased to the family.
In the past, after the deceased had been washed, dressed and made up, the family placed money by their hand. Long ago it was copper coins, and the jingling sound stood for the wealth the deceased was leaving behind.
Before the casket is closed, the money must be taken back out and shared equally among the family, a sign that everyone is treated fairly and no one is favoured.
The elders say that sharing hand money with the children and grandchildren passes the family's fortune on to them, in the hope that they will do well in life.
How much should you put? There is no fixed amount. Most families choose an even number or a lucky figure such as RM200, RM600 or RM800. What matters is the thought, not the size.
Today, the family can put the money in a red packet, and either our team or a family member places it in the hand of the deceased. It is taken out again before the casket is closed. Whoever receives a share should keep it well, as a keepsake.
How do you keep hand money? Traditionally it is wrapped in a red packet or red cloth and kept in a wallet, a wardrobe or the drawer of the family altar. It is best not to spend it. If you bank it, deposit it all at once rather than taking it out bit by bit.
Some families donate their hand money to charity, as a way of earning merit for the deceased. Keeping it is a way of remembering; giving it away is a kindness too. Either is fine.
Customs differ from place to place and between dialect groups. This is shared for reference only, with no need to be superstitious. How your family does it is best decided together with your elders.