I beg to differ with all the sage and erudite research published at various authoritative websites by academic researchers.
The following, according to my tradition-abiding mother, comprise the correct, final and only version of the auspicious phrases to spout during the Yu Sheng Lo Hei (Fish Salad Lucky Toss).
From her undated newspaper clipping, sourced in Singapore, with my comments in parentheses:
For each ingredient, say this ( Mandarin pronunciation):
Raw Fish: Nian Nian You Yu - for abundance ( every year you shall have abundance)
Lime: Da Ji Da Li, for good luck ( sorry, dunno )
Five Spice Powder and Pepper: Wu Fu Lin Men, for good fortune ( sorry, dunno )
Plum Sauce: Tian Tain Mi Mi, for a honeyed year ( Every day shall be a sweet day)
White Radish: Wan Shi Ru Yi, for success ( In ten thousand things shall you be successful)
Red Chilli: Zhao Cai Jin Bao, for prosperity ( I think this means a lot of gold entering your purse )
Lettuce: He Qi Sheng Cai, for harmony and wealth ( exactly as it says)
Carrot: Bu Bu Gao Sheng, for eminence ( With each step you gain eminence)
Pickled Red Ginger: Hong Yun Dang Tou, for good luck ( sorry, dunno )
Oil: Fu Yun Nian Nian, for good fortune and luck ( Prosperity gathers each year )
Peanuts: Jin Sha Man Tang, for prosperity ( Gold sand fills your halls)
Crispy crackers: bian di huang jin, for prosperity ( The entire floor of your home be filled with gold )
When tossing: utter anything auspicious, including sheng yi xing long, for brisk business ( business with spirit of dragon ?), and sheng ti jian kang, for good health ( body be healthy).
Here are some links:
( which my mother refutes !!)
