(1st Version in Hokkien)
Geng Geng Knua
Chit Liap Pnua
Lang Tiam Teng
Lu Lai Khnua
Khnua Har Mi
Khnua Sin Neow
Sin Neow Kuan Ar Keh
Gia Hniau Pai Lau Peh
Lau Peh Bo Ti Boe
Gia Hniau Pai Lau Boe
Lau Boe Bo Cheng Hoe
Gniar Hniau Pai Hnia Soe
Hnia Soe Bo Cheng Goon
Gniar Hniau Pai Leong Chun
Leong Chun Kok Kok Puay
Gniar Hniau Pai Teh Oay
Teh Oay Chiang Chiang Koon
Nor Lay Gina Thow Or Soon
Or Ha Chui Chui Chiak
Or Hor Lau Chim Po Chiak
Lau Chim Po Mia Ha Mi
Mia Peh Ka Chuak
Snar Peh Bi
Chee Bey Uak
Ti Ti Kniar
Ti Ti Puak.
.
(1st Version in English)
Dried longan
Seven and a half pieces of it
You came to watch
When the lanterns were lit
What were you looking at
If not the bride
Is the bride lanky or short?
Hold the joss sticks, pray to your deceased father
If your father doesn’t wear a hat
Hold the joss sticks, pray to your deceased mother
If your mother is not beautifully coiffured
Hold the joss sticks, pray to your sister-in-law
If your sister-in-law doesn’t wear skirts
Hold the joss sticks, arrange the dragon boat
Dragon boat sails away
Hold the joss sticks then arrange the tea-pot
Tea pot boiled to its brim
Two little kids stole the radish
Dig for who?
Digging for grand-aunt to eat
What is the name of your grand-aunt?
Her name is “White Cockroach”
Three handfuls of rice
Is not enough to feed
As she walks on
She would continue to fall..
.
(2nd Version in Hokkien)
Geng Geng Knua
Chit Guek Pnua
Lang Tiau Teng
Lu Lai Khnua
Khnua Har Mi
Khnua Sin Neow
Sin Neow Kuan Ar Keh
Gia Hniau Pai Lim Peh
Lim Peh Bo Cheng Hoe
Gia Hniau Pai Lin Soe
Lin Soe Pok Pok Poay
Gniar Hniau Pai Teh Poay
Teh Poay Gau Gau Koon
Nor Lay Gina Thow Or Soon!
.
(2nd Version in English)
Dried longan
Seven and a half months
People hanging lanterns
You came to watch
What are you looking at
If not the bride
Is the bride lanky or short?
Hold the joss sticks and pray to me
I don’t wear a bib
Hold the joss sticks and pray to my wife
My wife is furious
Hold the joss sticks and arrange the tea cups
The tea cups are steaming hot
Two little kids stole the radish!
.
About this rhyme/ditty:~
“Geng Geng Knuar” or “dried longan” is one rhyme/ditty that emphasises the need to pay homage to our ancestors. The carrying of lighted joss sticks with both hands and bowing as one prays is one of the many Taoist rites accustomed to homage praying which includes the burning of incense and paper paraphernalia to appease deceased/ancestral spirits. Many verses in this rhyme/ditty is similar to “Chay It Chap Goh” and “Guek Kng Kng, Siew Chye Long“.
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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Learning to appreciate and honor ancestors is a skill/truth that benefits all.
tq dan- kids of our era was ingrained with confucianism day in and day out..
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