Is it Advisable to Combine Two Banana Bunches for Ancestral Worship?

Why shouldn’t we combine two banana bunches for ancestor worship?

In the spiritual world of feng shui, when preparing offerings, it is essential to maintain the balance of yin and yang and the five elements. Odd numbers are considered yang, representing growth and development, while even numbers are yin, indicating stagnation. While combining two banana bunches may create a more aesthetically pleasing, larger, and grander display, it disregards spiritual beliefs. Merging two bunches of fruit is considered inauspicious in spiritual feng shui, as even numbers are associated with stagnation and, thus, do not bring good fortune. The most avoided even numbers are two and four.

So, is it acceptable to combine three or five banana bunches? In reality, these larger combinations may be unwieldy and prone to falling apart during the worship ceremony. Therefore, combining banana bunches is not only unsafe but also inauthentic and disrespectful. In ancestor worship, sincerity and devotion from the descendants are valued over superficial appearances. While colorful displays may impress humans, they do not hold the same value for the divine. Combining banana bunches can also cause anxiety for the descendants, as they worry about the bunches falling apart, distracting them from their prayers. Furthermore, if metal objects are used to hold the bunches together, it can create negative energy in the worship space.

It is advisable to adjust the offering tray to ensure harmony with the five elements and select the most suitable individual banana bunches instead of combining two bunches.

How to choose bananas for worship:

As the 26th and 27th of the lunar month approach, green bananas are abundantly available for purchase, offering a wide range of options. When selecting bananas for worship during the Lunar New Year, it is crucial to choose bunches with evenly sized, large, and lush green fruits. Ripe bananas, though they bear a golden hue, are not suitable as they quickly spoil and cannot be offered throughout the entire festive week. For people in the North, a bunch of bananas symbolizes a harmonious and prosperous family. The bananas, facing upward, absorb the sun and dew, transforming them into sweet fruits that signify good fortune, protection, and blessings.

Choose bananas for ancestor worship that have stalks, odd-numbered fruits, and are well-balanced.

Additionally, when choosing bananas, it is essential to avoid those with an even number of fruits. This is a fundamental principle that families should keep in mind when purchasing worship bananas.

According to feng shui experts, even numbers are associated with yin energy, which is unfavorable for the family, while odd numbers represent yang, symbolizing growth, prosperity, and good fortune.

Information for reference only