the chinese new year dish,' yee sang'  

every chinese new year, we eat 'yee sang, the traditional dish. its symbolic in that it ushers in good fortune, good luck, good health, wealth and longevity.we wish each other 'gong xi fa cai (meaning wishing you a happy and prosperous new year) and 'wan shi ru yi' ( may all your wishes be fulfilled). these wishes are said when the 'yee sang' dish is placed on the table. this is followed by 'nian nian you yi (may every year be filled with abundance and surplus) and 'long ma jing shen' (blessings of good health)when the raw fish slices are placed on the plate of shredded carrots, green radish,white radish, and pomelo. shredded carrots signifies blessing of good luck. green radish signifies blessing of eternal youth. white radish signifies prosperity in business.lime juice is squeezed onto the ingredients signifying good luck and auspicious values. pepper and five spice powder are added to the dish and they signify many good luck, good fortune and wealth be with you. oil and plum sauces are then added to the dish and they signify prosperity in business.next, the golden peanut crumbs are sprinkled signifying household fills with gold and silver and peanut is symbolic of longevity and eternal youth. sesame seed powder is then sprinkled and it signifies flourishing business.lastly the deep golden fried crisps are added and this is symbolic of good wishes for abundant wealth. it is widely believed that the higher you toss the 'yee sang' the more prosperous and luckier you will be. nowadays there are other varieties instead of the traditional raw salmon slices. they are jelly fish, abalone, snow pear , lobster and goe duck raw fish 'yee seng'.have you eaten this dish of 'yee sang' and what are your comments.