Yu Sheng Lo Hei Guide

Yu Sheng Lo Hei is a tradition practiced during Chinese new year with family and friends to bring good luck and wealth. This practice started 2000 years ago where fishermen would feast on raw fish on the 7th day of the Lunar New Year which is believed to be the birthday of all humanity. The fishermen named the dish yusheng, “鱼” (fish) and “余” (abundance), as well as “生”, which means both ‘raw’ and ‘life’. Thus, yusheng also means “abundance of wealth and long life”.  

Yusheng has evolved through the years with many additions of ingredients. Each ingredient has its own representations. While adding each ingredient, it is recommended to say auspicious phrases to ensure a HUAT year ahead. Below, we will provide you with a step by step guide to make your yusheng experience extra Huat and auspicious. 

Steps:

Step 1: 

Gather everyone to the table. 

Say - 恭喜发财 / Gongxi facai / Wishing you prosperity and wealth when presenting the yusheng dish.

Step 2: 

Add the raw fish slices into the dish 

Say/Representation - 年年有余 / Nian Nian You Yu / Prosperity every year

Step 3:

Add lime, pomelo or dried orange peels into the dish

Say/Representation - 大吉大利 / Da Ji Da Li / Good Luck and Prosperity

Step 4:

Sprinkle seasoning powders and peppers

Say/Representation - 招财进宝 / Zhao Cai Jin Bao / Incoming wealth

Step 5:

Pour the oil and/or plum sauce all over the yusheng

Say/Representation - 财原广进, 一本万利 / Cai Yuan Guang Jin, Yi Ben Wan Li / May your capital bring you ten-thousand-fold profits! May your sources of wealth bring you great prosperity!

Step 6: 

When tossing the carrots into the dish.

Say/Representation - 鸿运当头 / Hong Yun Dang Tou / May opportunities strike you!

Step 7:

Toss Shredded green radish into the Yusheng. 

Say/Representation - 青春永驻 / Qing Chun Yong Zhu /  May you remain forever youthful

Step 8:

Add shredded white radish 

Say/Representation - 步步高升, 风生水起 / Bu Bu Gao Sheng, Feng Sheng Shui Qi / May you rise to greater heights & progress quickly

Step 9:

Add crushed peanuts and sprinkle them all over the dish.  

Say/Representation  - 金银满屋 / Jin Yin Man Wu/ May your house be filled with silver and gold 

Step 10:

Sprinkle sesame seeds all over the Yu Sheng dish.

Say/Representation - 生意兴隆 / Sheng yi xing long / May your business prosper!

Step 11:

Add crispy golden pillows into the dish 

Say/Representation - 满地黄金 / Man di huang jin / May your floor be covered in gold!

Step 12:

Everyone to stand and begin to toss all the ingredients as high as possible. Best to say auspicious phrases as loud as possible. 

Say/Representation - Any auspicious phrases such as 发啊 / Huat Ah!