Chinese New Year is never complete without the boisterous, messy, and incredibly fun tradition of Lo Hei. Whether you are celebrating with family at home or tossing to prosperity with colleagues at a restaurant, the Yusheng ceremony is the highlight of the festive season.
However, many of us face the same panic every year. As the platter arrives, everyone looks around and asks, “Wait, what are the Yusheng sayings again?”
Remembering the correct sequence and the specific auspicious phrases for each ingredient can be tricky. That is why we have created this ultimate guide. Consider this your cheat sheet for Lo Hei tossing in 2026.
We have broken it down step-by-step so you can lead the ceremony with confidence and impress your dinner companions.
Yusheng (鱼生) literally translates to “raw fish,” but phonetically, it sounds like “increasing abundance.” This play on words is the heart of the tradition.
The dish is a Teochew-style raw fish salad, consisting of shredded vegetables, fish, and various condiments. Each ingredient is added one by one, accompanied by specific Yusheng sayings that invoke blessings for the year ahead.
The act of tossing the salad is known as “Lo Hei” (捞起) in Cantonese, which means “tossing up.” The belief is simple but powerful: the higher you toss, the higher your fortunes will rise.
It is a communal activity designed to bring people together. The messier the table gets, the more “abundance” (leftover benefits) you will have in the coming year.
Here is the correct order of ingredients and the corresponding auspicious phrases for Lo Hei tossing.
You can save this section or keep it open on your phone during your reunion dinner.
| Step | Ingredient | Phrase (Pinyin) | Meaning |
| 1 | Greeting | 恭喜发财 (Gōng Xǐ Fā Cái) | Wishing you prosperity |
| 2 | Raw Fish | 年年有余 (Nián Nián Yǒu Yú) | Abundance every year |
| 3 | Pomelo/Lime | 大吉大利 (Dà Jí Dà Lì) | Great luck and profit |
| 4 | Spices | 招财进宝 (Zhāo Cái Jìn Bǎo) | Attract wealth & treasures |
| 5 | Oil | 一本万利 (Yī Běn Wàn Lì) | 10,000-fold profit |
| 6 | Carrots | 鸿运当头 (Hóng Yùn Dāng Tóu) | Good luck is approaching |
| 7 | Green Radish | 青春常驻 (Qīng Chūn Cháng Zhù) | Eternal youth |
| 8 | White Radish | 步步高升 (Bù Bù Gāo Shēng) | Progress with every step |
| 9 | Peanuts | 金银满屋 (Jīn Yín Mǎn Wū) | Household filled with gold |
| 10 | Sesame Seeds | 生意兴隆 (Shēng Yì Xīng Lóng) | Flourishing business |
| 11 | Plum Sauce | 甜甜蜜蜜 (Tián Tián Mì Mì) | Sweet relationships |
| 12 | Crackers | 遍地黄金 (Biàn Dì Huáng Jīn) | Floor covered in gold |
1. The Greeting
When the server (or the head of the household) brings the platter to the table, everyone exchanges New Year greetings.
2. Adding the Raw Fish
The hero of the dish. Usually salmon, abalone, or wolf herring.
3. Adding Pomelo or Squeezing Lime
Citrus fruits symbolize luck and status.
4. Sprinkling Spices
Usually pepper or five-spice powder, typically wrapped in red packets (ang baos).
5. Drizzling the Oil
Oil is poured in a circle over the ingredients to ensure everything goes smoothly.
6. Adding Shredded Carrots
The bright red color represents good luck.
7. Adding Green Radish
The green color symbolizes eternal youth and vitality.
8. Adding White Radish
This represents progression and promotion, especially in your career.
9. Sprinkling Peanut Crumbs
Peanuts represent gold and silver, symbolizing a rich household.
10. Sprinkling Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds symbolize the growth of business and commerce.
11. Drizzling Plum Sauce
This sweet sauce ensures a sweet life and good relationships.
12. Adding Golden Crackers
Everyone’s favorite part! These deep-fried pillows represent gold nuggets.
13. The Grand Toss
This is the climax of the Lo Hei tossing ceremony. Everyone stands up, grabs their chopsticks, and tosses the ingredients high into the air.
To ensure your celebration is as auspicious as possible, keep these tips in mind.
What happens if I say the Yusheng sayings in the wrong order?
Do not panic! The order provided is the traditional sequence, but the most important part is the intent and the festive spirit. If you mix up the carrots and the radish, the good luck still counts.
Can I prepare my own Yusheng at home?
Absolutely. Many supermarkets sell pre-packaged Yusheng kits during the festive season. You can simply buy fresh salmon (sashimi grade) to add to it. Using this Instagram guide to auspicious phrases will make your home celebration just as authentic as a restaurant’s.
Is it okay to shout other good wishes during the toss?
Yes! While “Huat Ah” is the standard, you are encouraged to shout your own personal wishes. Whether it is “Good grades for the kids,” “Strike lottery,” or “Good health,” speak your desires into existence while tossing.
The tradition of Lo Hei tossing is one of the most vibrant aspects of Chinese New Year in Singapore and Malaysia. It is a moment of pure joy, shared hope, and vocal wishes for a better future.
By following this guide to Yusheng sayings, you ensure that you are not just making a mess, but truly inviting prosperity, health, and happiness into your life for 2026.
So, gather your loved ones, get your chopsticks ready, and may your year be filled with abundance. Huat Ah!
