Malaysia did it again...! This time, Malaysia's 520m-long Yee Sang made it into the Malaysia Book of Records for its sheer size. Who knows... perhaps next year we'll enter the Guinness Book of World Records.
No, I'm not here to debate whether this is a worthwhile pursuit, but if they do, there sure will be tons of chopping and slicing to do, and is that worth their time? Or should they channel their time to something more productive?
Okay.. No, my main purpose is NOT to comment on that, but on the act of mixing the Yee Sang. I know it's nothing profound but many younger chinese seem to do it without knowing the meaning behind the act.
"Yee Sang" in Cantonese or "Yu Sheng" in Mandarin, it literally means Raw Fish. But it also symbolizes Prosperity and Vigor due to its sound. The act of mixing the Yee Sang is called "Lou Hei" meaning to 'mix to Happiness' or 'mix it up high'. That is why when the Chinese mix the ingredients with their chopsticks, they always raise it high up while they utter words and phrases of good luck = raising the coming year's luck.
According to legend, a Chinese Goddess by the name of 'Nu Wa' spent 6 days creating Mankind out of mud and completed on the 7th day in the first Lunar month. That' s why the 7th day is known as "Birthday of Man". To commemorate this day, Man are not allowed to kill animals for food, instead 7 vegetables representing as many good things as possible are prepared. Some of the ingredients include Celery (symbolizing Hardwork) and Garlic (meaning ' to count' in terms of money) and many others.
But nowadays there are many other additions such as grounded peanuts and crackers, and no celery to suit the tastebuds of the majority. It has become very commercialized that it is almost losing its meaning, just like most other traditions.
So, it is good to know how these things come about and WHY.
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