The placement of the incense burner before or after the tray of five fruits is a matter of interest to many, especially the younger generation who lack experience in worship rituals. The answer depends on the region and the size of the altar, which will determine the arrangement of the incense burner and the tray of five fruits. Let’s explore this topic in more detail below.
1 What is the tray of five fruits?
The tray of five fruits is an arrangement of five different types of fruits, and their names represent the wishes of the host. “Five” also implies the five blessings: fortune (luck), honor (nobility), longevity (long life), health, and peace. Depending on the customs and beliefs of each region, the tray of five fruits can have different meanings.
What is the tray of five fruits?
2 The significance of the tray of five fruits in different regions
In Northern Vietnam, the tray of five fruits typically includes Buddha’s hand fruit, bananas, figs, kumquats, and pears, symbolizing the five blessings of longevity, health, wealth, prosperity, and peace. In contrast, the Central region usually offers a simpler selection of fruits, showing gratitude and reverence, along with hopes for a peaceful and prosperous new year.
The significance of the tray of five fruits
In Southern Vietnam, families often choose fruits such as pomelos, jackfruits, coconuts, papayas, and mangoes, wishing for a year filled with happiness, peace, and abundance. However, the altar always includes the tray of five fruits and the incense burner, and many families wonder about their proper placement.
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3 Where should the incense burner be placed in relation to the tray of five fruits?
According to experienced individuals in worship rituals and traditional customs, the incense burner is usually placed in the center of the altar, symbolizing the gathering of stars, with oil lamps or candles representing the sun and the moon on either side. Therefore, in all three regions of Vietnam (North, Central, and South), the tray of five fruits is typically placed in front, and the incense burner is placed behind it, from the perspective of the person offering prayers.
Placement of the incense burner and the tray of five fruits
Additionally, the size of the altar, whether large or small, will also determine the placement of the incense burner and the tray of five fruits to ensure harmony with feng shui principles.
For altars dedicated to deities and ancestors
Altars dedicated to deities and ancestors are the most important as they honor generations of ancestors and usually have a moderate size. Therefore, the tray of five fruits is always placed in front, with the incense burner behind it.
Position of the incense burner on altars for deities and ancestors
For altars in communal houses, temples, and clan houses
The altars in communal houses, temples, and clan houses are typically large and spacious, accommodating the worship of a locality or clan. Thus, the incense burner is placed in front, and the tray of five fruits is placed behind it for convenience during worship rituals.
Position of the incense burner on altars in communal houses, temples, and clan houses
For wall-mounted altars
Wall-mounted altars are a common choice for saving space in living areas. For smaller altars, where it is not possible to place the incense burner and the tray of five fruits in a linear arrangement, you can place the incense burner at the back and the tray of five fruits diagonally to the sides. For larger wall-mounted altars, the tray of five fruits is still placed in front, with the incense burner behind.
Position of the incense burner on wall-mounted altars
For altars dedicated to Buddha
Altars dedicated to Buddha are common in Vietnamese spiritual culture, seeking peace and harmony. Due to the small size of these altars, the incense burner is usually placed next to the tray of five fruits or slightly offset to the sides.
Position of the incense burner on altars dedicated to Buddha
For altars dedicated to the God of Wealth and the God of Earth
Business owners, restaurants, and offices are familiar with altars dedicated to the God of Wealth and the God of Earth. Due to the small size of these altars, the incense burner is always placed behind the tray of five fruits.
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Position of the incense burner on altars dedicated to the God of Wealth and the God of Earth
With this information, we hope that you have found the answer to the question of placing the incense burner before or after the tray of five fruits according to feng shui principles, and you can now arrange the items on your altar more appropriately.
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