A toss to good luck, fortune and prosperity: Diners tossing the yee sang to symbolise abundance at a restaurant in George Town, Penang. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/ The Star
GEORGE TOWN: The tossing of yee sang accompanied by the familiar chant of “Heng ah! Ong ah! Huat ah!” (good luck, fortune and prosperity) has already begun even though Chinese New Year is still some three weeks away.The Chinese community believes that carrying out this ceremony early will bring good luck and prosperity especially in the Year of the Dragon.
Many Chinese restaurants have started to offer the dish due to strong demand from those having corporate year-end dinners, family gatherings or get-togethers with friends.
Starview Restaurant director Chong Siew Wei said many customers wanted the colourful salad dish to be included in their menu prior to the festive celebration.“It is a must-have during Chinese New Year, especially for reunion dinners and the celebration of ‘Ren Ri’ or ‘everyone’s birthday’, which falls on the seventh day of the Lunar New Year.
“But over the past few years, many have started asking for yee sang to be part of their eight-course meals even before Chinese New Year.
“This traditional dish is symbolic of good luck, prosperity, health and all things auspicious.
“With all those present indulging in boisterous mixing of the ingredients simultaneously, it gives a feeling of family togetherness and bonding,” he said.
The yee sang tossing ritual is a Malaysian tradition that signifies a wish to “rise” in terms of prosperity, health, luck, prospects and all the good things a person can yearn for in the new lunar year.
The ingredients have their own symbolism.
Fish, the mandatory ingredient, represents abundance.Others include pomelo, radish, carrots, peanuts, sesame seeds and many more.
Chong said with consumers now becoming more health conscious, many prefer ingredients such as carrot and radish to be freshly prepared.
“Raw fish has been replaced with deep-fried fish to prevent contamination,” he said, adding that there needs to be at least seven colours and a “vibrancy” to yee sang.
Sunshine Wholesale Mart Sdn Bhd marketing communication manager Bryan Wong said there would be a slight increase in the price of ready-to-eat yee sang.
“We have stocked up in anticipation of higher sales despite a slight price increase of about 5%.
“Customers who buy the dish would usually add additional ingredients, such as salmon sashimi and others,” he said.
Penang Koo Soo Kwong Choon Tong Restaurant and Tea Shop Association chairman Vinah Yee said the festive mood had already kicked in about a month ago.
“We can see that festive celebrations have already begun, although Chinese New Year is still some weeks away.
“For the fun of it, those who came for get-together meals would surely include the tossing of yee sang and the shouting of auspicious phrases.
“We foresee more people, such as families, coming together to celebrate Chinese New Year this year, which is the Year of the Dragon.
“This year should be the best of the past two years since the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Between 70% and 80% of restaurants have been booked on weekends for celebrations and weddings this year,” said Yee, whose association represents some 40 major restaurants in Penang.
