Nengajo

 A lot of the greeting card designs remind me of the red envelopes my family passed out during lunar new year. I think it is very cute that a lot of people still like to make their own cards to give to people. Normally people don’t make their own red envelopes, they just buy them in the store because they are usually pretty cheap plus it's just more convenient. Personally for me I like to write little messages in my envelopes instead of money. ( because I am poor)  Just like Nengajo, red envelopes come in many different styles and colors and sometimes it can feature the zodiac animal.  I was really intrigued by some of the customs/rules people have to follow when making a Nengajo. For instance you shouldn’t send cards to people who are in mourning over the last year, as they  want to remember their loved ones at this time of the year, rather than celebrating with a Nengajo. And just like nengajo, red envelopes have also adjusted to modern times and now you can send your family members or friends red envelopes ( money) through apps like venmo ( it sends them a little gif and it's kinda cute. From what I remember). The more I look at my nengajo the more it just looks like a red envelope which wasn’t my intention. But red in Vietnamese is the color of power and good luck and gold is well money and who doesn’t like that. I don’t draw dragons that often but this one was super fun to make. Maybe if I have time over winter break I could try to paper cut my nengajo (but I make no promise).  I really love the whole concept of nengajo. It is very sweet. I love writing cards to my friends. I am trying my best to bring back handwritten cards/letters again. They just seem more meaningful than a text or a call. I love having a physical keepsake. They are nice to look at when I am feeling sad and having a rough day.