Feeding the hungry lion
Updated: Feb 10, 2021
What do we feed the lion? Why is the ferocious lion eating lettuce? Is it vegan?
The most important props in the Choi Chiang ceremony are the lettuce (生菜 shengcaiand mandarin oranges(柑橘 ganju). This is because the Chinese name for lettuce (生菜shengcai) sounds like a phrase which means for wealth to grow and multiply (生财 shengcai). The Chinese name for mandarin oranges, 柑橘 ganju sounds like gold, or wealth (金 jin) and auspicious (吉 ji) respectively.
Other props may include yuzus or pomelos, pineapples, apples and pears.
When the lettuce is being spat out onto the ground by the lion, it symbolises that wealth will stick with you even in a new place and new industry. When the peel of the mandarin oranges or yuzus is peeled into the shape of a flower, it symbolises that fortune will blossom in the new year (slfk, 2013).
However, props that are associated with auspiciousness are not supposed to be cut open or peeled open.
Since pineapples symbolize prosperity, they should not be cut open. Apples, which symbolize peace and safety should not be cut open as it means that the host and his family would lose peace and safety.
When pears are used as props, they should not be separated or cut open as it means that the host will experience separation in his family. This is because pears symbolize care and thought for family members. In Chinese, pear (梨li) sounds like separate (离li) and when they are taken apart they are separated (slfk, 2013).
References
slfk. (2013, December 21). Jiang shu cai qing[Introduction on Choi Chiang]. Blogger. http://slfk123hotmailcom.blogspot.com/2013/12/blog-post_21.html
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