NONYA LIFE: Wise Words?

Our favourite Hokkien ditty: "Chiak Tor Tau, Chiak Lau Lau" (Eat groundnuts and live to a ripe old age)

Thursday, December 4, 2025

Wise Words?

Posted by From A Nonya's Pen at 10:18 PM

Labels: Chinese Proverbs

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The round shape of traditional mooncakes symbolises unity and completeness, mirroring the full moon during the Mid-Autumn Festival. This shape represents the reunion of families and friends, emphasising harmony and togetherness.

The Rambling Nonya

The Festival of the Patriotic Poet: The Potency of "Goh See" water:

"Sey kah Goh See chui,
Pee pooi pooi sui sui"

Wash with "Goh See" water and become plump and beautiful!

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Here are a few Chinese New Year tips. Always wash or cut your hair before the big occasion. If you don't, you will be washing or cutting away your good luck! To avoid getting into debt, don't borrow money during the new year. Good luck!

The Rambling Nonya

If you have white hair and can't resist pulling them out, don't! The more you pull, the more they will grow!

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If you are a water melon lover, make sure you don't drink milk immediately after eating it. If you do, the chances are that your tummy will churn - wait until 4 to 5 hours before drinking your milk!

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If you have bought a pair of new shoes and are afraid they will hurt your feet, bite them first before wearing them and you can be sure they won't bite you!

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For an extra dash of good luck and blessings this new year, place an orange with an ang pow containing a little cash in every room of your house. Remove them only after Chap Goh Meh.

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If you happen to choke on a fish bone, get someone to hold a plate above your head and beat it with a spoon. Ask him at the same time to shout at the top of his voice:"Meow, Meow, come and take away the fish bone." If you can say this in Hokkien, it works like magic!

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If you have a sty in your eye, get three rice husks and when the sun rises, point the husks to the sun and back to the affected eye. Do this three times, then throw them away. Your sty will go away in a trice!

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If you still pray to the moon, don't forget to offer some small, young yams. Eat them while looking at the moon and you will be blessed with a beautiful, smooth complexion.

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A tip for durian lovers. After eating durians, fill an empty husk with tap water and drink it from there. This will “cool” down your system and ensure that all signs of “heatiness” are washed away.

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When attending a wedding, don't look at the bride immediately she comes in. If you do, you may "clash" with her later on.

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To cleanse your kidneys, buy some corn silk from a Chinese medicine shop and boil it in plain water for about 20 minutes. Strain and drink the water after it has cooled down.

The Rambling Nonya

Lemon grass is good for getting rid of 'wind'. Boil a few stalks with chicken bones and drink the soup while it is still hot.

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Don't put two brooms together in your house. This will spark off quarrels among members of the household.

Never also wash your hair on a Sunday. Don't ask me why though!

The Rambling Nonya

For a plentiful year, make sure your rice cooker contains some rice on the eve of Chinese New Year. Do not leave it empty overnight. Your container for rice should also be filled up to the brim.