coi2 ceng1採青采青
Definition
Plucking the greens; a lion dance ritual where the performer plucks a lettuce to symbolize making money.
Example
mou5舞si1獅biu2表jin2演gou1高ciu4潮zau6就hai6係coi2採ceng1青。
mou5舞si1狮biu2表jin2演gou1高ciu4潮zau6就hai6係coi2采ceng1青。
The climax of the lion dance is the plucking of the greens.
How it's used
The term relies on the homophony between 生菜, which is the vegetable typically used, and 生財, meaning to generate wealth. It is a highly ritualized performance where the lion interacts with the greens, often involving complex acrobatics or jumping onto high poles. Beyond just eating the greens, the lion usually shreds them and spits them out towards the audience to symbolize spreading prosperity.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with general vegetable picking, but it is strictly a cultural performance term. It should not be used to describe the act of harvesting vegetables on a farm.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
