While Lo Hei may be a common practice in Singapore, those of us who are not exactly inclined towards our mother tongue tend to shout vague phrases like "huat ah!" (to prosper) and "tio bei peo!!" (strike 4D) when preparing the dish and tossing the salad.

This season, however, we made up a handy list of greetings and when to say them so you can impress your relatives/friends/colleagues:

1. Gong Xi Fa Cai 恭喜发财 (Offering a CNY greeting to everyone)

2. Nian Nian You Yu 年年有余 (Whilst adding fish)

"Yu" is a homonym meaning  of "fish" and "excess", so this phrase signifies abundance throughout the year.

3. Da Ji Da Li 大吉大利 (Whilst adding pomelo)

Greater luck and auspiciousness.

4. Zhao Cai Jin Bao 招财进宝 (Whilst adding pepper and cinnamon powder)

For greater wealth and treasures.

5. Cai Yuan Guang Jing 财源广进 (Whilst adding oil in circling motions)

For more avenues of wealth.

6. Jin Yin Man Wu 金银满屋 (Whilst adding chopped peanuts over dish)

A home filled with wealth.

7. Sheng Yi Xing Long 生意兴隆 (Whilst sprinkling sesame seeds)

A flourishing business.

8. Pian Di Huang Jin 遍地黄金 (Whilst adding deep-fried crisps in the shape of golden pillows)

Great wealth, a floor full of gold.

9. Tian Tian Mi Mi 甜甜蜜蜜 (Whilst adding plum sauce)

Sweetness abound.

More auspicious phrases while tossing the salad:

10. Shen Ti Jian Kang 身体健康

Good health.

11. Wan Shi Ru Yi 万事如意

Everything goes your way (i.e. is smooth-sailing).

 12. Xin Xiang Shi Cheng 心想事成

All wishes come true.

13. Feng Sheng Shui Qi 风生水起

Progress at a fast pace.

14. Hong Yun Dang Tou 红运当头

Good luck is approaching.

15. Bu Bu Gao Sheng 步步高升

To rise rapidly with every step taken e.g. promotions at work.

Top image from Pinterest

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