Even if you don’t speak Mandarin, you can still join in the fun by saying Lou Sang wishes in English! Here’s what to say when tossing Yee Sang during Chinese New Year!
The Lou Sang or Yee Sang Prosperity Toss is a must-have tradition during Chinese New Year celebrations.
It symbolizes abundance, prosperity, and good fortune.
You enjoy it at a restaurant or prepare it at home.
This lively ritual brings family and friends together for a joyful start to the year.
If you’re tossing Yee Sang at home, set the table with chopsticks for everyone and be prepared for a little mess—especially if your guests are the enthusiastic type!
The higher you toss, the better your luck, so don’t hold back!
How to Begin the Yee Sang Toss
- Gather everyone around the table.
- Drizzle the dressing over the veggies and top with sesame seeds and crushed peanuts.
- Recite auspicious phrases as you add each ingredient.
- Start tossing using chopsticks and shout out blessings for the new year!
Here are the traditional phrases to say as you prepare and toss your Yee Sang:
Lou Sang Wishes in English
- 大吉大利 (Dà jí dà lì) – Wishing you great luck and great profit! (Squeeze lime over the dish)
- 年年有余 (Nián nián yǒu yú) – May you have abundance year after year! (Add the fish/salmon)
- 财源广进 (Cái yuán guǎng jìn) – May wealth flow in from all directions! (Pour the dressing oil in a circular motion)
- 甜甜蜜蜜 (Tián tián mì mì) – Wishing you sweetness and happiness in life! (Drizzle the plum sauce)
- 五谷丰收 (Wǔ gǔ fēng shōu) – May you have a bountiful harvest! (Add sesame seeds and nuts)
- 金玉满堂 (Jīn yù mǎn táng) – May your home be filled with wealth and treasure! (Top the dish with fried crisps)
Additional Prosperity Phrases for Each Ingredient
- 鱼 (Fish) – 年年有余 (Nián nián yǒu yú) – Always have more than enough
- 红萝卜 (Carrots) – 鸿运当头 (Hóng yùn dāng tóu) – May good fortune be upon you
- 青萝卜 (Green radish) – 青春常驻 (Qīng chūn cháng zhù) – May you stay youthful and full of vitality
- 白萝卜 (White radish) – 风生水起 (Fēng shēng shuǐ qǐ) – May your success rise like the wind and waves
- 柚子/青柠 (Pomelo/Lime) – 大吉大利 (Dà jí dà lì) – Wishing you great luck and good profits
- 胡椒粉 (Pepper) – 招财进宝 (Zhāo cái jìn bǎo) – Attract wealth and treasures
- 五香粉 (Chinese 5-spice powder) – 五福临门 (Wǔ fú lín mén) – May five blessings arrive at your doorstep
- 芝麻 (Sesame seeds) – 大小平安 (Dà xiǎo píng ān) – Peace and safety for all in your family
- 花生碎 (Ground peanuts) – 金玉满堂 (Jīn yù mǎn táng) – May your home be filled with wealth and treasure
- 炸脆饼 (Fried crisps) – 黄金满地 (Huáng jīn mǎn de) – May wealth and prosperity be everywhere
- 花生油 (Peanut oil) – 家肥屋润 (Jiā féi wū rùn) – Prosperity and harmony at home
- 芝麻油 (Sesame oil) – 财源广进 (Cái yuán guǎng jìn) – May wealth pour in from all directions
- 酸梅酱 (Plum sauce) – 甜甜蜜蜜 (Tián tián mì mì) – May your life be as sweet as honey!
General Prosperity Blessings While Tossing
- 恭喜发财 (Gōng xǐ fā cái) – Wishing you prosperity and wealth!
- 身体健康 (Shēn tǐ jiàn kāng) – Wishing you good health!
- 万事如意 (Wàn shì rú yì) – May all things go smoothly for you!
Now that you know what to say, it’s time to Lou Hei and toss your way into a prosperous new year!
If you’re not confident with Mandarin, shout “Lou Hei!” and “HUAT ahhhh!” enthusiastically.
Looking for more Yee Sang insights?
Check out my other articles on the history of Yee Sang, the best places to enjoy it, and unique variations of this festive dish!
