Chinese New Year wouldn’t be complete without a few key things – red pockets (angpaus), dazzling reunion dinners, and of course, prosperity tossing which commonly known as Yee Sang, Yuu Sahng, Yu Sheng, Lou Sang, Lo Hei or Lo Hay. Yee Sang is one of the most anticipated, fun and delicious traditions. It symbolises good luck, prosperity, health and all things auspicious for the new year. However, do people actually know the story behind of its origin?
Well, Chinese legend has it that goddess Nüwa spent six days creating chicken, dog, boar, sheep, cow and horse out of mud and on the seventh day, she created humans. This day is known as Ren Ri, literally meaning humankind’s birthday. As a celebration, the Chinese enjoy a special dish consisting of seven symbolic delicacies, one of which is thinly sliced raw fish, a popular cuisine among the Chinese social elites during Southern Song Dynasty. Until 1940, the form of Yee Sang has slowly evolved into various styles in Malaysia and Singapore. Today, the common form of Yee Sang is the “Qi Cai Yu Sheng” (referred as 7-coloured raw fish salad). It is usually served as a pre-dinner appetizer and is no longer enjoyed exclusively on the seventh day.
The modern dish of Yee Sang had fish served with variety of ingredients, each ingredient not only denoting different meanings but also brings variety of nutritional benefits to you and your gut. A healthy gut means a healthy you.
- Fish meaning abundance
Salmon is rich in omega-3, vitamin B12, iron and calcium
Carps are rich in omega-3, vitamin A, zinc and phosphorus
- Carrot for good fortune
Rich in carotenoids and vitamin A
- White Radish for success
Great source of vitamin B9 and C
- Green Radish for youthfulness
Rich in vitamin A and C
- Pomelo for luck and prosperity
Rich in vitamin B & C
- Peanut for treasure
Good source of protein and monosaturated fatty acid
- Sesame Seed for prosperity in business
White sesame seeds contain high copper, calcium and healthy oil
Black sesame seeds are rich in manganese, magnesium, vitamin B1 and healthy oil
- Deep-fried Crisps for a floor of gold
Gives every bite some extra crunches
- Healthy Oil circling the ingredients to symbolise wealth coming in from all directions
May opt for olive oil, flaxseed oil or avocado oil. They are all rich in omega-3
- Honey Plum Sauce drizzled over the dish for a sweet life
High in sugar and sodium, but we’ll let it go this time
- Pepper for wishes fulfilled
Spice that helps improve absorption of cucurmin and beta carotene
- Lime for riches and safety
Great source of vitamin C and phytonutrients
After Yee Sang is served, all diners at the table then stand up and proceed to toss the shredded ingredients into the air with chopsticks while saying various of auspicious wishes out loud. The louder the shouts, the higher the toss, the better it is! Recently, some creative people created a fun way to exclaim the wishes from 1 to 10. At each auspicious wish shouted by the leader, the rest shall shout “收到!” meaning received.
一帆风顺 Creating breakthrough
二龙腾飞 Propelling to success
三羊开泰 Taking charge of life
四季平安 Gratitude and appreciation
五福临门 Growing your values
六六大顺 Becoming unstoppable
七星高照 Realising full potential
八方来财 Tapping into abundance
九九同心 Creating larger impact
十全十美 Achieving best result
