(Version in Hokkien)
Chay It, Gia Mor Pit
Chay Ji, Snooi Chua Ji
Chay Snar, U’wa Sin Snar
Chay Si, Cheng Kim Khi
Chay Goh, Cheng T’ng Khor
Chay Lark, Phar Lak!
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(Version in English)
First day, hold a Chinese brush
Second day, counting money
Third day, change to new clothes
Fourth day, coiffured with gold jewellery
Fifth day, wear pants
Sixth day, discard the sixth card!
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About this rhyme/ditty:~
This rhyme/ditty commemorates the first few days of the Chinese New Year. “Chay It” means the first day of the Chinese calendar and so on..
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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fiveloaf 