Red Envelope Shows

Hongbaochang (Red Envelope Shows) only exist in Taipei. Since the KMT as well as the Chinese refugees retreated to Taiwan during the 50's, this type of shows has been the place providing people with the atmosphere of nostalgia. Singers sang old Chinese songs, which made the audience feel like going back to their hometowns in the Mainland. They rewarded the singers with red envolopes, which was originally the money of gift given during the New Year, wedding or childbirth in China. Red Envelope shows were popular but has been declining recently. The Chinese migrants have been aging: some of them have passed away, and some of them have chosen to go back to China after Taiwan and Chna opened the door to each other during the 80's. I visited one of the Red Envelope Shows last week. The singers went to the stages in turns, and each of them presented 3 songs. Most of the songs are still old Chinese songs, but from time to time I can hear local Taiwanese songs and new pop songs. There were not many people in the audience, maximum 20. I was the youngest among them, and a lot of singers came to me and chatted. I gave off a couple of red envolopes while listening to the music. To me, Red Envelope Shows demonstrate the political changes in Taiwan. People might be sad about what they have lost, but at the same time are trying to create something new for the future.