CNY Edition: Guide to Yu Sheng

Years of tossing YuSheng hmmm let’s see about 120395839 times every Chinese New Year, and you still haven’t gotten the gist of it. Honestly, same. So let’s clear that once and for all, or before we know it, our generation will just be tossing raw fish and crackers, because let’s be honest, that’s all we really want. In order to keep the tradition of having yu sheng every Chinese New Year, here’s a simple step by step guide to Yu Sheng, and everything you need to know about it!

1. The Raw Fish.

Having raw fish in yusheng symbolises abundance throughout the year. For this ingredient, people usually say “年年有余” (nian nian you yu).

2. Pomelo or Lime.

Adding pomelo or lime symbolizes great fortune, prosperity and luck for the coming year. Here’s what you say: “大吉大利” (da ji da li).

3. Five Spice and Pepper Powder.

Typically clad in a small red and green packet, the dynamic duo. Never seen one without the other. They symbolize great wealth, so for this you should say “招财进宝” (zhao cai jin bao).

4. Oil.

When the oil is poured around the ingredients, it symbolizes the flow of money from every direction. People would usually say “财源广进” (cai yuan guan jin) and “一本万利” (yi ben wan li).

5. Carrot.

Carrot symbolizes good luck, and for this you should say “鸿运当头” (hong yun dang tou).

6. Green Radish

Green radish symbolizes eternal youth, to stay forever young (at heart at least). For this ingredient you could say “青春永驻” (qing chun yong zhu).

7. White Radish

The white radish symbolizes promotion at work and to for businesses to prosper. It is also good luck for people to reach greater heights in whatever you do. Say “步步高升” (bub u gao sheng).

8. Peanuts and Sesame Seeds

The peanuts and sesame seeds symbolizes a house filled with gold and silver. It also symbolizes an increase in profit for businesses. For this, you could say “金银满屋” (jin yin man wu).

9. Golden crackers.

Yes one of the favourites. This symbolizes wealth, more than one can spend. For this ingredient you can say “黄金满地” (huang jin man di).

10. Plum Sauce

The plum sauce symbolizes sweet and loving relationship among family members. For this I’m sure all of you are familiar with the saying “甜甜蜜蜜” (tian tian mi mi).

Then now all you got to do is toss the yu sheng with your family, commonly known as Loh Hei! Time to scream. Let me tell you something about Loh Hei. It’s better than a genie. A genie only grants 3 wishes, here you can cast as many wishes as you please! Shout to your hearts content, all that you look forward to in the coming year! Since preparing for yusheng can be a hassle, especially when there are so many ingredients, you can head on down to www.foodline.sg to order now!