The vibrant Yee Sang or Lou Sang salad, also known as “Prosperity Toss,” holds a special place in Lunar New Year celebrations. The tradition was introduced to Malaysia by the innovative Loke Ching Fatt (from Seremban, Negeri Sembilan), who crafted his own version called “Sup Kum Yee Sang” (Tenth Sense Yee Sang).

Loke drew inspiration from the renri, or yan-yat, spirit of the seventh day of the Chinese New Year. It honours Nüwa, the goddess who, in Chinese mythology, made mankind out of yellow clay (reminds me of the Hindu epic where Goddess Parvathi created Lord Ganesha using turmeric and sandalwood). A special meal known as “Yu Sheng,” which consists of a raw fish and vegetable salad and represents wealth, prosperity, and vigour, is served on the seventh day.

“Yee sang” is essentially a salad infused with symbolism. As each ingredient is added, auspicious sayings are called out, culminating in a joyous “prosperity toss” with chopsticks. The higher the toss, the greater the fortune predicted!

From the lucky lime (“da ji da li” for good luck and profits) to the symbolic fish (“nian nian you yu” for abundance), each element holds significance. Red seasoning symbolises grand fortune (“hong yun dan tou”), while green represents eternal youth (“qing chun chang zhu”). Oil poured in a circle signifies wealth flowing in (“cai yuan guang jin”), while sweet plum sauce promises a life “as sweet as honey” (“tian tian mi mi”). Add a sprinkling of sesame seeds and nuts (“wu gu feng shou” for wealth), and the final touch is the fried crisps (“jin yu man tang” for a home filled with wealth and treasure). Then, laughter and wishes for “gong xi fa cai” (prosperity) and “lou hei” (move upwards) fill the air, creating an atmosphere of joy and optimism.