The Chinese Lunar New Year is an annual festival where many traditions culminate from exchanging of oranges to the receiving of red packets and more. Still, as far as the Chinese New Year goes, the iconic yu sheng toss remains at the helm of all things festive.

Yu Sheng, otherwise known as lo-hei or prosperity toss, is something that we’ve grown terribly fond of. A vibrant centrepiece dish comprising various elements, each boasting its own unique flavour and meaning behind it, the yu sheng is always the first order of business at any family gathering.

Yet, as we find ourselves going through the motion of this tradition year in year out, how many of us millennials can actually say that we truly understand this practice and its significance? To a season dedicated to good fortune, family reunion and feasting, here is our guide on lo hei, what it is and what it represents.

HOW THE MODERN INTERPRETATION CAME TO BE

Since its origins as a simple raw fish dish back in the 1930s, the recipe has undergone a series of transformations, and even until today, people are still finding innovative ways to present this dish. The dish was brought to Singapore in the late 19th century by the migration of Cantonese and Teochew migrants from China.

“Lo Hei”, in Cantonese literally translates to “tossing up good fortune”, and it refers to the ritual adopted in Singapore that involves a group of people gathered around a massive plate, tossing its contents violently while saying out auspicious phrases before eating it—it is popularly believed that the higher the toss, the better your prospects and fortune in the year ahead.

At the very beginning, the salad itself consisted merely of raw fish slices, some vegetables and seasoning to taste. It was only much later on in 1964, where a quartet of chefs—known affectionately as the ‘Four Heavenly Kings’—reinvented the dish and served it at the then, newly opened Lai Wah restaurant. The new salad saw an improvement in texture, colour, and flavour.

KEY INGREDIENTS & WHAT THEY REPRESENT

• Carrots – Represents good luck.
• Green Radish – Represents eternal youth.
• White Radish – Represents good job opportunities in the coming year.
• Raw Fish – symbolises abundance and prosperity.
• Pomelo – Represents luck.
• Crushed Peanuts – Is a sign that your home will be filled with many valuable possessions.
• Sesame Seeds – Represent the hope that your business will flourish.
• Golden Crackers – Symbolises wealth.
• Plum Sauce – A key component that binds the salad together, it represents stronger ties among family and friends.
• Pepper & Cinnamon Powder – signify the wish for wealth
• Oil – Often drizzled onto the salad in a circular motion rather than poured over. This is to symbolise that money will come from all directions.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

Before the tossing begins, the dish needs to be prepared, usually by one individual who adds the ingredients one by one in a specific order, while the reciting wishes of luck and prosperity at the same time.

With the plate placed in the middle, friends and family members stand around the table to toss the ingredients whilst exchanging blessings and words of prosperity—although, more often than not, people tend to just shout them out.

9 INTEGRAL STEPS & WHAT TO SAY

Step: Yu Sheng platter is placed at the centre of the dining table.
What To Say: “Gong Xi Fa Cai” meaning, “Congratulations for your wealth”.

Step: Raw sliced fish is added.
What To Say: “Nian Nian You Yu” meaning, “Abundance throughout the year”.

Step: Pomelo or lime is added.
What To Say: “Da Ji Da Li” meaning, “good luck and great prosperity”.

Step: Spice sachets are sprinkled over.
What To Say: “Zhao Cai Jin Bao” meaning, “May you attract wealth and treasures”.

Step: Oil and plum sauce are poured over ingredients.
What To Say: “Yi Ben Wan Li” meaning “Make 10,000 times of profit with your capital”

Step: Peanut crumbs are poured over.
What To Say: “Jin Yin Man Wu” meaning, “May your home be filled with lots of gold and silver.”

Step: Sesame seeds sprinkled over.
What To Say: “Sheng Yi Xing Long” meaning, “Wishing you prosperity for the business.”

Step: Deep-fried flour crisps in the shape of golden pillows are then added.
What To Say: “Man Di Huang Jin” literally translating to, “May the whole floor be filled with gold.”

Step: The toss commences.
What To Say: “Lo Hei” literally translating to tossing luck.

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With Christmas barely over, many of us are still feeling guilty about the Christmas feasts we had indulged in. It certainly doesn’t help that the Chinese New Year festivities are starting slightly earlier this year, with it being held at the end of January.

The first few days are usually celebrated with an endless amount of sinful, yet delicious food and snacks. However, it is still possible to maintain your waistline without going on an extreme diet.

Here are 7 Simple Ways To Survive Chinese New Year Feasting.

#1 TRY NOT TO VISIT ON AN EMPTY STOMACH

This is the same logic to why you should have a heavier breakfast to avoid having larger portions of lunch and dinner. Have a high protein breakfast which is likely to keep you feeling full longer.

You are less likely to be tempted by food if you are not feeling very hungry.

#2 USE SMALLER PLATES

There is a limit to how much you can pile your food up on a plate. Hence the smaller your plate is, the less food you can take—unless you cheat and go back for more servings. Which you know you shouldn’t be.

#3 PICK FOOD THAT ARE RICH IN FIBRE

Food rich in fibre takes longer to be fully digested, therefore keeping you fuller or a longer period of time. Choose your food wisely if you do not want to end up snacking every 30 minutes.

Vegetables, fruits and whole grains are great fillers that do not give you unnecessary calories!

#4 LIMIT YOUR ALCOHOL INTAKE

Alcohol is actually good for health when consumed moderately. It reduces the risk of heart diseases and may also reduce your chances of getting a stroke.

That being said, weight gain is just one of the few negative consequences should you over-consume alcoholic beverages. Try to limit yourself to only one glass for that night.

#5 SIT AWAY FROM THE FOOD

If you are one who is easily tempted, sit as far away as possible from the dining table or kitchen once you are done with dinner. This is especially important when there are so many traditional Chinese New Year snacks (which are loaded with calories) available.

You will find it a hassle to keep walking long distances to get the snack and may give up on snacking altogether.

#6 YOU DON’T HAVE TO FINISH EVERYTHING

Did you know the Chinese believe that abundance represents an excess of good fortune for the year? This is the reason why Chinese New Year feasts are always prepared so generously and in large portions.

The amount of food prepared by the host is usually more than enough!

#7 KNOW THE CALORIE COUNT OF YOUR SNACKS

Still want to eat? Go on, we won’t stop you.

But please take a look at this guide to the Calories in 12 Popular Chinese New Year Snacks.

Chinese New Year is no doubt one of the most hectic months of the year, especially if you are the appointed one to take charge of all the preparations. The lunar festivity is meant for fun and lots of time with the family, so would it not be nice to lessen any burden you have with some tips and hacks?

When it comes to prepping the menu, there is so much you can do to make your lives easier. And we can assure you that with these steps, you will have a mistake-proof Chinese New Year; food hacks really save our lives.

Here are some Chinese New Year 2016 Food Hacks You Need To Know Now.

#1 AVOID CHINATOWN FOR FOOD SHOPPING

If you cannot stand crowds, that is.

Chinatown during the Chinese New Year period might be fun and bustling, and discounts might be splendid. But crowds can be such a turn-off; we say go to a neighbourhood bazaar (there are tons every year and everywhere) instead to grab your decor and snacks and whatnot, instead of elbowing your way through and being elbowed at Chinatown.

#2 BUY GROCERIES ONLINE TO AVOID CROWDS

With platforms such as Redmart, you can even do some last minute shopping online and have it delivered right to your doorstep.

That is one big step already checked off your list. Speaking about convenience and laziness!

#3 RESTAURANT FOOD DELIVERY

If you are lazy to cook at home, why not get food delivery for your Chinese New Year dinner? And no, we are not talking about the ubiquitous pizza and fast food delivery.

Deliveroo has completely reinvented the idea by offering food delivery from top restaurants and cafes – all at a flat rate of S$3 per delivery. Readers of ladyironchef can use the promo code “LICROO” to get S$20 off your first order on Deliveroo.

#4 DIY VARIOUS SNACKS

If you are a fan of adding personal touches to the food you serve, try making your own simple and quick snacks for sharing. Recipes are aplenty online and are easy to find.

Want to showcase more creativity? Make use of CNY-related goodies and jazz them up. Pineapple tarts smoothie and bak kwa (BBQ-ed pork jerky) sandwich, anyone?

For the former, simply dunk a few pieces of pineapple tarts into the blender, add some milk or water, and have them blended into a drink. Sounds farfetched but you will be delightfully surprised by the taste.

The latter is our favourite thing to do. We would sit bak kwa slices atop our favourite breads (focaccia works well!), then sprinkle cheddar, and pop them in the microwave. Cheesy steak sandwiches reinvented and made better with bak kwa!

#5 FUN & CONVENIENT COMMUNAL HOT POT

Instead of thinking of a million recipes to make a buffet or dinner spread, why not do a hotpot instead? This is your ticket to a fool-proof meal plan!

After all, Chinese New Year is all about bringing families together for a reunion, and enjoying time together. Hotpot is the best way to interact, and communal dining is such a quintessential Chinese thing to do! Just remember to refer to point #2 when you do your grocery shopping.

#6 KNOW THE “LUCKY FOODS” BEFORE PREPARATION

This lunar festival is largely about prosperity and anything lucky. From decors to colours, foods to words, anything symbollic and auspicious will be very warmly welcomed.

Do your research well and proper, list down all the possible “lucky foods” you can include in your menu planning, and have this list with you when you do your grocery shopping.

This sounds so minute, but take it from us that your folks will be pleased by your effort.

#7 MAKE PRETTY & EASY SOFT DRINK POPSICLES

Instead of serving soft drinks in cans (which is just plain boring and we are all sick of such convenience by now), offer your guests soft drink popsicles instead!

They don’t take much effort – just overnight freezing – and they are so pretty. We are pretty sure the kids in your family will be so happy too.

Pimp your popsicles up and give it a lunar touch. Throw in pineapple chunks and mandarin slices. You can even use rose syrup for red-coloured popsicles; the redder the better for CNY!

When in doubt, refer to point #5.

About the writer:
Cheryl is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She loves a good steak and an even better cuppa. She eats just about anything and everything. In her free time, she regularly starts on sci-fi or fantasy movie marathons.