What Should You Say When You Lou Hei?

When it comes to celebrating Chinese New Year, a tradition which Singaporeans observe is Lou Hei. Along with the tossing of raw fish, and vegetable salad around the table, chanting of auspicious phrases for the new year is also a must. However since we only Lou Hei once a year, it is common for us to have difficulties remembering what to say.

If you face the same issue, here’s what to say for each ingredient when it’s tossed in during Lou Hei. Oh, and remember no shouting this year please!

Image Credits To: JEN

1. Fish

Say: 年年有余 (Nian Nian You Yu)

Meaning: It represents abundance and surplus throughout the year.

2. Pomelo / Lime

Say: 大吉大利 (Da Ji Da Li)

Meaning: It symbolises great prosperity, good fortune, and good luck.

3. Pepper & Five Spice Powder (胡椒粉 Hu Jiao Fen & 五香粉 Wu Xiang Fen)

Say: 招财进宝 (Zhao Cai Jin Bao)

Meaning: It means to attract great wealth and treasures into your life.

4. Oil

Say: 财原广进, 一本万利 (Cai Yuan Guang Jin, Yi Ben Wan Li)

Meaning: Pour the oil over the ingredients in a circle, to symbolise for a smooth-sailing year ahead especially when oil smoothens things. 

5. Shredded Carrot

Say: 鸿运当头 (Hong Yun Dang Tou)

Meaning: It means to bring in good luck in your life.

6. Shredded Green Radish

Say: 青春永驻 (Qing Chun Yong Zhu)

Meaning: This ingredient represents eternal youth.

7. Shredded White Radish

Say: 步步高升, 风生水起 (Bu Bu Gao Sheng, Feng Sheng Shui Qi)

Meaning: It also symbolises achieving greater heights in everything you set out to do.

8. Sesame Seeds & Peanuts

Say: 金银满屋, 生意兴隆 (Jin Yin Man Wu, Sheng Yi Xing Long)

Meaning: It represents wealth and business to flourish.

9. Golden Crackers

Say: 遍地黄金 (Bian Di Huang Jin)

Meaning: This means that there is gold on the ground which you walk on, representing to have more wealth than you can ever spend.

10. Plum Sauce

Say: 甜甜蜜蜜 (Tian Tian Mi Mi)

Meaning: Have a sweet and loving relationship between family members and couples.

Lastly, toss the Yu Sheng as high as possible to get more wealth and increase chances of your wishes coming through while saying ‘Huat Ah (发啊)’ continuously! Although it works better when you shout loudly, this year is an exception. Instead, shout loudly inside your heart!

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