Chinese New Year (CNY) in Singapore is not complete without at least one session of Lohei to invite good luck. It is the symbolism of ‘abundance’, ‘prosperity’ and ‘vigor’ (for the ingredients) and the tossing action ‘Lo Hei’ symbolizes bringing rise to more luck for everyone especially businesses.
LOHEI RITUAL: INGREDIENTS AND TOSSING
Before the start of the ritual of pouring the ingredients on the platter: everyone would say 恭喜发财 (Gong Xi Fat Cai, meaning ‘Congratulations for your wealth’ ) and 万事如意 (‘Wan Shi Ru Yi’, meaning ‘May everyone’s wishes be fulfilled’).
- Ingredient #1: Five Spice Powder, Cinnamon Powder (五香粉，桂末粉)
Greeting phrase: 五福临门，招财进宝 (Wu Fu Lin Men, Zhao Cai Jin Bao)
Meaning: “May this bring about more wealth and treasures”
2. Ingredient #2: Calamansi (桔子)
Greeting phrase: 大吉大利 (Da Ji Da Li)
Meaning: “Good luck and a smooth-sailing year ahead”
3. Ingredient #3: Raw Fish (生鱼, Sheng Yu)
Greeting phrase: 年年有余 (Nian Nian You Yu)
Meaning: “Abundance throughout the year”
4. Ingredient #4: Passion fruit sauce (百香果酱)
Greeting phrase: 一本万利 (Yi Ben Wan Li) and 财源广进 (Cai Yuan Guang Jin)
Meaning: “May there be numerous sources of wealth”
5. Ingredient #5: Carrot (红萝卜)
Greeting phrase: 鸿运当头 (Hong Yun Dang Tou)
Meaning: “Good luck upon us”
6. Ingredient #6: Green Radish (青萝卜)
Greeting phrase: 青春常驻 (Qing chun Chang Zhu)
Meaning: “Eternal youth”
7. Ingredient #7: White Radish (白萝卜)
Greeting phrase: 步步高升 (Bu Bu Gao Sheng) and 风生水起 (Feng Sheng Shui Qi)
Meaning: “Reaching greater levels of success with each step”
8. Ingredient #8: Walnut (合桃)
Greeting phrase: 金银满屋 (Jin Yin Man Wu)
Meaning: “A Household filled with gold and silver”
9. Ingredient #9: Sesame seeds (芝麻)
Greeting phrase: 生意兴隆 (Sheng Yi Xing Long)
Meaning: “Prosperity for the business”
10.Ingredient #10: Golden crackers (薄脆)
Greeting phrase: 满地黄金(Man Di Huang Jin)
Meaning: “An abundance of gold everywhere”
