LOH HEY...WISHING FOR JUST ABOUT ANYTHING

I know most people just shout "Loh Hey" when they toss Yee Sang in the air with their chopsticks. But "Loh Hey" merely means "toss high". That's not a wish! It's a mere exclamation like "Yam Seng" which you make on an appropriate occasion.

Loh Hey goes much deeper in meaning and philosophy. For one thing, the ritual is invariably carried out among close family members and loved ones. And it's done during the New Year festive season, a season of good cheer and hope.

There are a set of standard wishes folks make when they toss the Yee Sang high in the air with shouts and laughter. The popular ones are for domestic happiness, a carefree life, freedom from obstacles, filial piety, youthful looks, perpetual bliss, a happy and easygoing existence, a safe and happy life - and plentiful income (let's not forget THIS last wish).

However, there are no hard and fast rules as to what you may ask for. The abovementioned list is but a set of standard wishes people make, NOT a set formula to follow.

When you Loh Hey, you can utter aloud whatever desire there is in your heart. Perhaps you want your newly-formed business to do well? Then shout out loud, "May my business prosper!"

Or if your concern is about the major exams your son has to sit for at the end of the year, then wish that he will come through with flying colours.

Just keep your words (and your train of thought) auspicious. Remember that the dish on the table before you is Yee Sang, the emblem of good luck that a new year brings.

As for me, each time I make a SPRING TOSS (what a poetic way to describe Loh Hey), I hope that the fresh season will bring blessings and opportunities for all. The success you achieve depends on the kind of effort you put in.

Now, THAT'S pretty fair by any reckoning, don't you think?


BOLDWRITER