Yu sheng is a salad prepared and eaten during Chinese New Year, up to the 15th day of the first lunar month, typically the day of the Lantern Festival.  A Teochew style cold salad is prepared with shredded vegetables, sauce, and raw fish. Literally, yu sheng means raw fish in Mandarin, however, it also sounds a lot like increased abundance. Fittingly, when the salad is prepared, the ingredients are tossed high into the air, while those around the table loudly exclaim “prosper” and other auspicious wishes. This is why yu sheng is also called the prosperity toss.

Each ingredient that is added has a corresponding phrase. When beginning the prosperity toss, we shout Gong Xi Fa Cai, from Mandarin to English this translates to “congratulations for your wealth!” When everyone is at the table, we say aloud, “be prosperous and a have a lot of money, “may all your wishes be fulfilled.” The raw fish is then added, and we say “abundance throughout the year.” Next pomelo or lime is added to the raw fish to represent luck and progression. We utter “abundance throughout the year.” A sprinkling of pepper and cinnamon powder represents an attainment of wealth, fittingly we say, “may you attract wealth and treasures.” The oil and plum sauce is poured over the ingredients, again representing prosperity. We then say “enjoy a ten thousand fold profit from your investment,” and “may you have many sources of wealth.”

“Good luck is approaching,” is said when the shredded coconut is added. When the shredded green radish is added, “may you be forever young,” is uttered, denoting eternal youth. When shredded white radish is added, “may you rise steadily in your career,” is uttered.

The final touches to the prosperity salad are added. Peanut crumbs are sprinkled on the top representing our homes to be filled with riches, and sesame seeds denoting prosperity for business. Finally throwing in the deep-fried flour crisps also signifies riches, so we utter “may your floor be covered with gold.

The prosperity salad is then tossed seven times, with shouts of Lo Hei / Yu Sheng and other auspicious wishes.

Shirley Ho, the editorial co-ordinator at Graduate House has been preparing the prosperity salad since childhood, and continues it to this day.

“We do it at home, and we can do as many times as we wish, within the 15 days of Chinese New Year, however the most significant Day is the 7th Day of CNY (known as People’s Birthday – to celebrate birth of all Humans),” says Shirley.

She keeps the tradition alive so that she can share it with her children. “My kids love the idea of being able to mess and play with food, and still eat it after that … and not get punished for being messy!”

“I think it’s a novelty like no other, it is a unique tradition that the Chinese mustn’t lose touch of, in whichever country they live.”

“I, for one will keep this going every year and I will make sure that my future grandkids learn to toss this Prosperity salad. I especially love it if my non-Chinese friends can join me.”

Why not partake in a prosperity toss of your own? We at Graduate House did, here are a few photos from our experience: