Tossing with Chopsticks for Good Luck in One of Lunar New Year’s Most Festive Traditions

     As families come together to celebrate the Lunar New Year, one of the most exciting – and messiest – traditions takes center stage: the yu sheng prosperity draw. This lively ritual, also known as lo hei in Cantonese, involves diners using chopsticks to toss a colorful raw fish salad into the air while shouting their best wishes for the year ahead.

    The prosperity draw originated in Singapore and Malaysia, where it was popularized by Cantonese immigrants in the mid-20th century. Yu sheng (which means “raw fish” but also sounds like “abundance” in Chinese) symbolizes prosperity, health and happiness. Over time, the ritual spread throughout Southeast Asia and beyond, becoming a beloved Lunar New Year custom.

    The dish consists of grated vegetables, raw fish (usually salmon), and various seasonings, each with symbolic meaning. Ingredients like carrots represent luck, peanuts represent longevity, and golden crackers represent wealth. After the dish is prepared, family and friends gather together, lifting the ingredients with chopsticks while saying auspicious phrases like Gong Xi Fa Cai (wishing prosperity).

    The higher the toss, the better the luck. And if a few pieces land on the table—or even the floor—it’s all part of the fun.

     What started as a Southeast Asian tradition has now gained popularity worldwide. Many Chinese restaurants in cities with large diaspora communities offer yu sheng during the Lunar New Year period, attracting both longtime practitioners and newcomers eager to experience the joy of tossing for good fortune.

     For many, the yu sheng toss is more than just a meal—it’s a way to bond with loved ones, embrace tradition, and start the new year with positive energy. So, if you find yourself at a Lunar New Year gathering, don’t be afraid to do it too.

Source Link: https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/travel/prosperity-toss-lunar-new-year-culinary-traditions