Lo Hei Phrases and How to Do it Like a Pro
Traditions such as receiving red envelopes and exchanging oranges culminate during the Chinese New Year. The widely recognised Yu Sheng toss, also known as prosperity toss, remains at the helm of all festivities. It is a vibrant centrepiece dish consisting of many elements, each having a unique flavour and significance. Also, it is the first order of business at family gatherings. Learn Lo Hei phrases to do it like a pro.
Phrases to Say and How to do Lo Hei
Lo Hei, a tradition of tossing food in the air, is one of the most fun things you would get to do during the Chinese New Year. It is a ritual adopted in Singapore, and it is all about tossing Yu Sheng in the air and telling auspicious phrases before eating it. The higher the toss, the better the prospects and fortune for the coming year - it is what the Chinese people believe.
Eating Yu Sheng during the Lunar New Year has become a must-do activity for Chinese families. Yu Sheng is a salad prepared using raw fish, shredded veggies, sauces and other condiments with other ingredients. According to Chinese beliefs, it is regarded as a symbol of vigour, abundance, and prosperity for the Lunar New Year. The colourful version of Yu Sheng and the practice of eating it is unique to Malaysia and Singapore. The dish was created by "The Four Heavenly Culinary Kings of Singapore," and it was introduced in the country during the Chinese New Year of 1964.
This article discusses the typical ingredients that go into the making of Yu Sheng and the phrases to share at the table. Read on and get a step closer to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
Step 1 - Offer Chinese New Year Greetings to Everyone at the Table
Gather around the dining table and begin the Lo Hei by telling:
恭喜发财 Gong Xi Fa Cai
Meaning: Congratulations on your wealth
万事如意 Wan Shi Ru Yi
Meaning: May all your wishes be fulfilled
Step 2 - Add Raw Fish like Salmon Onto Shredded Radish and Carrot
年年有余 Nian Nian You Yu
Meaning: Abundance and Surplus every year
Step 3 - Add Some Pomelo or Squeeze Some Lime Over the Raw Fish
大吉大利 Da Ji Da Li
Meaning: May you have good luck and prosperity
Step 4 - Add Some Spices like Cinnamon and Pepper Over the Ingredients
招财进宝 Zhao Cai Jin Bao
Meaning: Attract wealth and treasures
Step 5 - Pour Some Plum Juice or Oil Over the Ingredients
一本万利 Yi Ben Wan Li
Meaning: May your investment return 10,000 times profit
财源广进 Cai Yuan Guang Jing
Meaning: Abundance of wealth and fortune
甜甜蜜蜜 Tian Tian Mi Mi
Meaning: May sweetness enters your life
Step 6 - Add Some Shredded Carrots
鸿运当头 Hong Yun Dang Tou
Meaning: Good luck is approaching
Step 7 - Add Some Shredded Green Radish
青春常在 Qing Chun Chang Zhai
Meaning: Forever young
Step 8 - Add Some Shredded White Radish
步步高升 Bu Bu Gao Sheng
Meaning: prosperity in business and promotion at work
风生水起 Feng Sheng Shui Qi
Meaning: progress at a fast pace and reach greater heights
Step 9 - Scatter Chopped or Crushed Peanuts
金银满屋 Jin Yin Man Wu
Meaning: Gold and silver filled in a household
Step 10 - Sprinkle Some Sesame Seeds
生意兴隆 Sheng Yi Xing Long
Meaning: Business flourish and prosper
Step 11 - Add Deep Fried Flour Crisps
遍地黄金 Bian Di Huang Jin
Meaning: The whole floor would be filled with gold
Step 12 - Toss the Yu Sheng and Shout “Lo Hei!”
Toss the Yu Sheng as high as you can for seven times and shout “Lo Hei” or “Huat Ah!” with other New Year Wishes.
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