February 18,2021
What Do Yu Sheng Ingredients and Phrases Mean?
Are you always lost and puzzled about what to shout during lo hei? If yes then, read on!
Yu Sheng is an appetiser that represents good luck for the new year. The sequence of lo hei is, 1) the combining of all the ingredients in a big bowl, and 2) everyone at the table tossing the salad simultaneously using a pair of chopsticks. While doing those, it is considered auspicious to say Chinese sayings and phrases to welcome prosperity, luck and good health.
1 – Raw fish represents abundance and excess through the year, particularly for all the good stuff like prosperity Phrase – “Abundance throughout the year” (年年有余, Nian Nian You Yu)
2 – Pomelo is added after the fish, for luck and auspicious value Phrase – “Good luck and smooth sailing” (大吉大利, Da Ji Da Li)
3 – Pepper is thrown into the mix as a wish for wealth Phrase – “Attract wealth and treasures” (招财进宝, Zhao Cai Jin Bao)
4 – Vegetable oil is drizzled in a circular motion over the mixture as a symbol of welcoming money and for it to “flow in from all directions” Phrase – “Make 10,000 times of profit with your capital” (一本万利, Yi Ben Wan Li), and “Countless sources of wealth” (财源广进, Cai Yuan Guang Jin)
5 – Carrots are also used to indicate blessings of good luck Phrase – “Good luck is approaching” (鸿运当头, Hong Yun Dang Tou)
6 – Green radish stands for eternal youth Phrase – “Forever young” (青春常驻, Qing Chun Chang Zhu)
7 – White radish is also used to usher in good business prospects Phrase – “Reaching a higher level with each step” (步步高升, Bu Bu Gao Sheng), and “Progress at a fast pace” (风生水起, Feng Sheng Shui Qi)
After the main ingredients come the condiments:
8 – Crushed peanuts are sprinkled over the dish, symbolising wishes for a household to be filled with valuable possessions Phrase – “Household filled with gold and silver” (金银满屋, Jin Yin Man Wu)
9 – Sesame seeds come after the crushed peanuts, representing hope for a business to flourish and grow Phrase – “Prosperity for the business” (生意兴隆, Sheng Yi Xing Long)
10 – Golden crackers symbolise great wealth Phrase – “Floor full of gold” (满地黄金, Man Di Huang Jin)
11 – Plum sauce is poured all over the dish, representing hope for stronger ties with those around you Phrase – “Sweet and loving relationships” (甜甜蜜蜜, Tian Tian Mi Mi)
Looking for CNY menus for Day 15? You can find them here! https://www.foodline.sg/chinese-new-year-catering/
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