Yusheng lo hei, oh the joy it brings! The annual tossing of yusheng during Chinese New Year (CNY) is a true spectacle – it’s not just a salad; it’s a vibrant, messy, and delightful tradition that everyone eagerly anticipates. Picture this: a round plate filled with a colorful mix of raw fish, veggies, and an array of sauces. That, my friend, is the magic of yusheng.
What’s the Buzz about Yusheng?
Yusheng, or as some call it “yusang” in Cantonese, is not just a dish; it’s a celebration on a plate. Imagine thinly sliced raw fish dancing with shredded carrots, radish, and cucumber. Add candied citrus peel, pomelo, peanuts, and a symphony of spices – that’s yusheng lo hei for you. And mind you, this isn’t your regular salad; it’s a dynamic creation that varies from one household or restaurant to another.
Unveiling the Ancient Origins of Yusheng Lo Hei
Let’s take a journey back over 2,000 years to ancient China, where the roots of yusheng run deep. Originating in the Guangdong province, it was a feast by the coast celebrating Renri, the seventh day of CNY. Fishermen finely cut strips of fish, creating what we now know as yusheng lo hei. Fast forward to today, and it’s no longer just a Renri treat; it’s a CNY kickoff tradition.
Yusheng Lo Hei’s Great Migration to Singapore
Now, how did this festive delight find its way to the Lion City? Blame it on the Cantonese and Teochew folks who migrated in the 19th century. Hailing from Jiangmen, Guangdong province, they brought with them the art of crafting yusheng. Picture businessmen in the 19th century, looking for a good year ahead with their Cantonese yusheng, and the Teochews enjoying their “husay” throughout the season.
Let the Luck Unleash: Auspicious Sayings Galore!
Image from iStock
Here’s the fun part – the lo hei or tossing of luck. As you add each ingredient, you unleash a wave of well-wishes. Check out this step-by-step guide with the corresponding phrases to say out loud:
- Arrange raw fish slices: Nian nian you yu
Auspicious meaning: “Abundance over the years! Prosperity every year!” or “May every year come with ample surplus!”
- Add dried orange peel, pomelo or lime: Da ji da li
Auspicious meaning: “Great luck and great prosperity!”
- Add pepper and seasoning powders: Zhao cai jin bao
Auspicious meaning: “May the wealth be incoming!”
- Drizzle oil: Yi ben wan li
Auspicious meaning: “May you make a thousand-fold profit from your investment!”
- Drizzle oil: Cai yuan guang jin
Auspicious meaning: “May plentiful wealth come in from all directions!” or “Good luck will come your way!”
- Add carrots: Hong yun dang tou
Auspicious meaning: “May opportunities strike you!”
- Add green radish: Qing chun chang zhu
Auspicious meaning: “Stay young forever!”
- Add white radish: Bu bu gao sheng
Auspicious meaning: “May you rise higher with each step!” or “May your work and business progress by leaps and bounds!”
- Add cabbage: Feng sheng shui qi
Auspicious meaning: “May you have success and promotion at work!”
- Sprinkle chopped peanuts: Jing yin man wu
Auspicious meaning: “May your house be completely filled with gold and silver!”
- Sprinkle sesame seeds: Sheng yi xing long
Auspicious meaning: “May your business prosper!”
- Scatter crackers (golden pillows): Man di huang jing
Auspicious meaning: “May your floor be abundant and overflowing with gold and wealth!”
- Pour plum sauce: Tian tian mi mi
Auspicious meaning: “May your life be sweet and filled with loving relationships!”
- Toss yusheng: Wan shi ru yi
Auspicious meaning: “May everything be good and life be smooth-sailing!”
- Continue tossing: Sheng ti jian kang
Auspicious meaning: “May your body stay strong and healthy!”
- While still tossing: Gong xi fa cai
Auspicious meaning: “Wishing everyone great wealth!
Indeed, it’s not just tossing; it’s a symphony of words that invoke prosperity, wealth, and good fortune.
Evolutionary Twists and Turns
Now, how did yusheng evolve from a simple fish salad to the elaborate masterpiece we know today? In the 1930s, a restaurant called Loong Yik Kee added pickled veggies, sugar, and vinegar. Enter the “Four Heavenly Kings” in 1964, introducing the colorful qicai yusheng – a game-changer. By the 1970s, it became the norm, with spins like salmon, lobster, and international flavors like masala and Thai yusheng making their mark.
As you embark on your yusheng adventure this CNY, remember, it’s not just about the flavors; it’s about the lively tradition, the well-wishes, and the evolving tale of a dish that brings people together. So, let the yusheng lo hei magic unfold, and may your year be as dynamic and prosperous as this beloved tradition.
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