What to Say for Yu Sheng: 10 Phrases for a Prosperous New Year
Yu sheng, also known as prosperity toss salad, is a traditional Chinese dish that is often enjoyed during Chinese New Year. The dish is made with a variety of ingredients, including raw fish, vegetables, and crackers, and is tossed together with a sweet and tangy dressing.
As you toss the yu sheng, it is customary to say auspicious phrases that symbolize good fortune and prosperity. Here are 10 phrases that you can use:
- Lo hei! – This is the most common phrase said when tossing yu sheng. It means “prosperity toss” in Cantonese.
- Gong xi fa cai! – This phrase means “wishing you prosperity” in Mandarin.
- Zhao cai jin bao! – This phrase means “attracting wealth and treasure” in Mandarin.
- Wan shi ru yi! – This phrase means “may all your wishes come true” in Mandarin.
- Sheng yi xing long! – This phrase means “may your business prosper” in Mandarin.
- Guo nian hao! – This phrase means “happy Chinese New Year” in Mandarin.
- Shen ti jian kang! – This phrase means “good health” in Mandarin.
- Xue ye you cheng! – This phrase means “academic success” in Mandarin.
- Jin yu man tang! – This phrase means “may your home be filled with gold and jade” in Mandarin.
- Yi qun ren le! – This phrase means “may everyone be happy” in Mandarin.
When you say these phrases, be sure to toss the yu sheng high in the air. The higher you toss the yu sheng, the more prosperous the year will be.
How to Toss Yu Sheng
In addition to saying auspicious phrases, there is also a specific way to toss yu sheng. Here are the steps:
- Place the yu sheng on a large plate or platter.
- Wet your hands with water.
- Pick up a handful of yu sheng and toss it high in the air.
- While the yu sheng is in the air, say one of the auspicious phrases listed above.
- Repeat steps 3 and 4 until all of the yu sheng has been tossed.
- Once the yu sheng has been tossed, everyone can start eating.
Benefits of Eating Yu Sheng
In addition to being a delicious and fun dish, yu sheng is also believed to have a number of health benefits. Some of the benefits of eating yu sheng include:
- Improved digestion
- Reduced inflammation
- Boosted immunity
- Lowered cholesterol levels
- Reduced risk of heart disease
So, if you’re looking for a way to have a prosperous and healthy Chinese New Year, be sure to toss some yu sheng!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Tossing Yu Sheng
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when tossing yu sheng:
- Tossing the yu sheng too low. The higher you toss the yu sheng, the more prosperous the year will be.
- Not saying any auspicious phrases. Saying auspicious phrases while tossing the yu sheng is a way to attract good luck and fortune.
- Eating the yu sheng too quickly. Yu sheng is meant to be savored and enjoyed slowly.
FAQs About Yu Sheng
Here are some FAQs about yu sheng:
Q: What is yu sheng?
A: Yu sheng is a traditional Chinese dish that is often enjoyed during Chinese New Year. The dish is made with a variety of ingredients, including raw fish, vegetables, and crackers, and is tossed together with a sweet and tangy dressing.
Q: What does yu sheng symbolize?
A: Yu sheng symbolizes prosperity, abundance, and good luck.
Q: When is yu sheng eaten?
A: Yu sheng is typically eaten during Chinese New Year.
Q: How do you toss yu sheng?
A: To toss yu sheng, place the yu sheng on a large plate or platter, wet your hands with water, pick up a handful of yu sheng and toss it high in the air, while saying an auspicious phrase. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until all of the yu sheng has been tossed.
Q: What are some auspicious phrases that can be said when tossing yu sheng?
A: Some auspicious phrases that can be said when tossing yu sheng include:
- Lo hei! (Cantonese for “prosperity toss”)
- Gong xi fa cai! (Mandarin for “wishing you prosperity”)
- Zhao cai jin bao! (Mandarin for “attracting wealth and treasure”)
- Wan shi ru yi! (Mandarin for “may all your wishes come true”)
- Sheng yi xing long! (Mandarin for “may your business prosper”)
Q: What are some of the health benefits of eating yu sheng?
A: Some of the health benefits of eating yu sheng include improved digestion, reduced inflammation, boosted immunity, lowered cholesterol levels, and reduced risk of heart disease.
Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when tossing yu sheng?
A: Some common mistakes to avoid when tossing yu sheng include tossing the yu sheng too low, not saying any auspicious phrases, and eating the yu sheng too quickly.
