The jackfruit tree is an exceptional fruit-bearing tree, renowned for its delicious and valuable fruit. Jackfruit wood is highly prized for its beauty and durability, commonly used for sculptures, religious artifacts, and furniture. It is known for its resistance to termites and other insects… Even the leaves have their purpose, being utilized in traditional medicine.
However, there is an old superstition that planting a jackfruit tree in front of your house brings bad luck.
Why is planting a jackfruit tree considered unlucky?
Jackfruit trees are long-living, tall trees. They are more commonly found in gardens, temples, and shrines than in front of houses. An old saying warns, “The jackfruit tree has spirits, and the banyan tree has gods.” This belief led people to fear that planting a jackfruit tree in front of their home would invite those spirits inside.
Jackfruit trees can be imposing, with their large size, dense foliage, and tendency to shed leaves, which can create an unsightly mess. Their size can also block pathways, impede airflow, and obstruct light from entering the house. Additionally, the fallen leaves and unripe fruit can cause a mess and grow mold, further detracting from the aesthetics of the home.
In the past, it was believed that trees typically planted in temples and shrines should not be planted at homes. Jackfruit trees, with their strong energy, can be challenging to control, potentially draining the positive energy of the homeowner. On the other hand, planting them in temples can help balance their energy. The fruits’ spines, despite the sweet reward within, are also considered inauspicious from a feng shui perspective, as they represent sharp, harmful energy. Thus, the ancients avoided planting jackfruit trees near their homes.
What if you still want to plant a jackfruit tree?
While these superstitions persist, feng shui offers ways to mitigate their impact. Today, there are many new jackfruit varieties, including dwarf cultivars like Thai jackfruit and Tono, suitable for home gardens and container planting. These smaller varieties require less space, don’t shed leaves as abundantly…
Planting a small jackfruit tree that doesn’t block the pathway can help avoid any potential negative feng shui influences. Additionally, planting garlic or lemongrass at the tree’s base is believed to ward off any spirits associated with the tree.
With various jackfruit cultivars available, choose the one that suits your preferences and space constraints. The newer, smaller varieties also bear fruit faster than their traditional counterparts.
Information provided is for reference only.