Chng Kak Hwa

(Version in Hokkien)

Ch’ng Kak Hwa

Chow Bi Bi

Chow Lin Eh Tng Snuar Bo Liow Si

Oo Beh Pang Lai Khiar

Boe Beh Pang Lai Chay

Kim Hwa Tia

Kim Huah Tnia

Si Leh Lang Thai Gu

Pek Leh Lang Thai Eow

Philing Phalang Lang Chua Sin Neow

Sin Neow Hor Huay Sio

Knia Sai Puak Lo Kio

Chneh Mm How How Kio

How Mi lai

How Buek Chiak Tong Chai

Tong Chai Ar Buay Chu

How Buek Chiak Gniau Chu

Gniau Chu Ar Buey Thai

How Buek Chiak Ong Lai

Ong Lai Ar Buay Saik

How Buek Pek Chneo Paik

Puak Lok Lai

Khar Chnui Saik.

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(Version in English)

Fingernail Flower

Your fragrance is unbearable

There is no need to go back to your native land

There are horses in the stable

But no horses for us to ride

Golden flower

Ornamented bridal chamber

Golden flower ornamented wok

There are four baskets of slaughtered cows

And another eight baskets of slaughtered lambs

And a bustling preparation to welcome the bride

But the bride perished in a fire

And the groom jumps from the bridge

And the mother-in-law was seen grieving

Why was she grieving?

She grieves because of her craving for preserved vegetables

But the preserved vegetable hasn’t been prepared

She grieves because of her craving for mouse meat

But the mouse hasn’t been prepared

She grieves because of her craving for pineapples

But the pineapples is still not ripe

She grieves because she longs to climb over the other side

But she fell

Sustaining bruises on her buttocks.

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About this rhyme/ditty:~

Ch’ng Kak Hua, is a colloquial Hokkien term for ‘fingernail flower’ scientifically known as “Lawsonia Inermis”. This rhyme/ditty tells about a tragedy that befalls a certain marriage.

The author/owner has compiled for record, a collection of early Hokkien sayings, proverbs, rhymes and ditties to capture the essence and spirit of his hoi polloi, a community originating from the southern province of Fujian, China where individuals climbed aboard bum boats, crossing the South China Sea to settle in faraway lands to escape the brewing civil unrest and a way out from hardship carrying along with them in their journey, nothing except their trademark ponytails and their beliefs, very much rooted in Confucianism. These ditties retell their story and their lifestyle way back then so that the younger generation can gain an insight and foothold to their origin…

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