(Version in Hokkien)
Phian Lang Ay Tai Chi
Kuay Liow Keh Bay Ki
Lau Lang Ay Tai Chi
Thau Thau Keh Ho Ee
Chiak Lang Ay Tai Chi
Chiak Liow Bo Por Pi
Ch’niow Lang Ay Tai Chi
Liong Sim Tok Loke Khi
Hai Lang Ay Tai Chi
Arn Chnua Cho Ay Khi
Thye Lang Ay Tai Chi
Sim Knua Kuay Ay Khi
Ph’ni Lang Ay Tai Chi
Lang Meh Lang Siew Khi
Parn Lang Ay Tai Chi
Lang Liak Lai Chut Khi
Uan Siew Lang Ay Tai Chi
Giar Ch’or Lim Loke Khi
Ch’io Lang Ay Tai Chi
Giar Knia Chiok Ka Ki
Larng Lang Ay Tai Chi
Giar Lang Cho Bakuli
Eong Lang Ay Tai Chi
Bo Cheng Kow Bui Khi
Cho Lang Ay Tai Chi
Oui Lang Oui Ka Ki
Siang Uak Pneh H’nua Hee
Peng Arn Kuay Jit Chi
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(Version in English)
After you have lied
You pretend it never happened
Before you bluff
You pretended to be nice
If you cheat
You will never gain blessings
If you rob
Where then is your mercy?
If you harm others
What overcame you?
If you kill
Won’t your heart be troubled?
If you take advantage of others
Won’t you invoke resentment and anger?
If you betray others
Won’t they betray you back?
If you are envious of others
Try drinking a cup of vinegar
Before you laugh at others
Look at yourself in the mirror
If you tease others
You are treating them like marbles
When you use others
You bark like an ungrateful dog
To be human beings
We must all be mindful of others
We all lived together hence let us all be equally happy
And live out each day in peace.
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About this rhyme:~
“Don’t do to others what we don’t want others to do to us” is the whole gist of what this rhyme is all about. The phrase “Chiak Chor” in the Hokkien lingo means to be envious but if each of the words “Chiak” and “Chor” has its own meaning. “Chiak” means “Eat” and “Chor” means “Vinegar”. When used together, it can be taken to mean “Eat Vinegar” hence that expression “Try drinking a cup of vinegar”.
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 proverbs and sayings has always been a guide and lesson to the many who has never been to school so as to help them steer well in the river of life and in a way, it seeks to retell their lifestyle way back then so that the younger generation can gain an insight and foothold to their origin..
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