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| Lo Hei or Yu sheng |
It is that time again of the much anticipated Chinese New Year.
While the rest of the world welcomes the new year on the first day of January as the opportunity to change, improve, make some resolutions or resolve to do something different, the Chinese will wait for several weeks before welcoming a new year.
The rest of us who are non-Chinese and who do not celebrate such occasion were strongly influenced by their beliefs and traditions, nevertheless. I, for one, had in many instances waited for my zodiac sign's forecasts at the beginning of the year and when Chinese New Year approaches. At the same time, I also love to watch, listen and read anything that a geomancer would advice (not that I always heed everything they say).
And one more activity I look forward to during this festive Chinese season, is doing the "Lo Hei". Lo hei (pronounced as lo hay) or yu sheng is what is defined as "prosperity toss". It is actually a type of salad and usually consists of strips of raw fish (most commonly salmon) and mixed with shredded vegetables and a variety of sauces and condiments, among other ingredients. Do not be confused with this two words. My Chinese colleague actually explained that Yu sheng literally means "raw fish" and since fish is also a symbol of abundance and prosperity, therefore it became linked to the tradition. Lo Hei meant the "actual tossing".
My friend also explained that this particular type of celebration was dominant amongst Chinese Singaporeans as it was believed to have originated by four (4) known Chefs in Singapore back in 1964. So, if you asked a Chinese from Hongkong or mainland China, they would have no single idea of what it meant.
But since it was introduced 40 years ago, the Singaporeans continued with the tradition as it is believed to bring good luck. So, how's that for good fortune!
Ever since I came to Singapore in 2007, I actually had no idea of what it is. People talk about it, colleagues do it, but never did I try. I actually had doubts as well that plainly tossing a salad will bring luck. Not until in 2011, when I first tried it and I continued ever since.
Let me give you a run down of how it was like.
When you order a set of Lo Hei, the salad will come with raw fish, vegetables, oil, spices and flour crisps. Each particular ingredient will have its own meaning. While the specific spice or ingredient is added, the server will explain what it meant or what the particular ingredient will provide. You can probably say it is a ceremony or a littany of wishing you luck when the new year approaches. Since I cannot understand Chinese, a colleague will usually translate. So here goes:
It starts with "Gong Xi Fa Cai" meaning “Congratulations for your wealth” followed by "may your wishes be fulfilled." The raw fish is then added, which symbolises abundance and excess through the year.
Pomelo or lime is then added to the fish, adding luck and auspicious value. Pepper is then dashed over in the hope of attracting more money and valuables. Then oil is poured out, circling the ingredients and encouraging money to flow in from all directions.
Carrots are added indicating blessings of good luck. Then the shredded green radish is placed symbolising eternal youth. After which, the shredded white radish is added which means prosperity in business and/or promotion at work.
The condiments are finally added. First, peanut crumbs are dusted on the dish, symbolizing a household filled with gold and silver. Sesame seeds quickly follow symbolising a flourishing business.
Deep-fried flour crisps in the shape of golden pillows is then added last with wishes that literally the whole floor would be filled with gold.
This will be the most interesting part - each one participating in the "toss" are given chopsticks - you will just literally toss. But then for each toss, you can start mentioning your wishes and dreams for the year and the exciting part is that there is a belief that "the higher the toss, the higher the fortune". I would literally see people standing up on their seats while tossing the salad.
Beside the tossing and the meaning, the salad is quite tasty, refreshing and nourishing. You can never have too many - the Chinese New Year runs 15 days from the first day, which means you can do it for 15 straight days! However, some restaurants or even hawker centers would offer such salad even before CNY starts.
If you plan to celebrate Chinese New Year the traditional way or just want to join the fun, you can either go to Singapore or make your own. You can find a lo hei recipe here.
So you ask me, did it bring fortune into my life when I started doing it? Sure it did! BUT, believe me when I say, it all comes with faith, lots of prayer, hard work, more prayers, dreaming big and more faith, more prayers.
Nevertheless, there is nothing to lose by just trying. Toss some now and start your way to an abundant year!
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