The Meaning of Bananas on the Tet Fruit Tray
Bananas are a special fruit that is often used to offer ancestral and spiritual worship. During Tet, families often choose beautiful and large bunches of bananas to hold other types of fruits on the fruit tray.
Bananas symbolize luck. The curved shape of the bananas resembles hands protecting and embracing prosperity.
The bunch of bananas on the altar also symbolizes warmth and togetherness, with family members coming together in unity.
Tet incense bananas are usually green to ensure their longevity. Bunches with odd numbers of fruits, such as 15, 17, 19, 21, are preferred. The more fruits in the bunch and the higher the odd number, the more valuable the bananas are.
According to feng shui beliefs, even numbers are considered negative and odd numbers are positive. People often avoid using even numbers in worship. Therefore, bunches of bananas with odd numbers of fruits are preferred.
Furthermore, most people prefer odd numbers as they symbolize vitality and abundance.
Should You Combine 2 Bunches of Bananas for Tet Worship?
Some families may combine two small bunches of bananas to create a support base for other fruits on the fruit tray. It is not always easy to find large bunches of bananas as desired, and even if available, they can be quite expensive. Therefore, according to some people, combining two small bunches is more convenient.
Aesthetically, this has no impact. However, we need to consider the feng shui aspect. As mentioned above, odd numbers are preferred for worship. Therefore, combining two bunches of bananas creates an even number, which is considered negative. In particular, 2 and 4 are the most avoided even numbers.
Improper combining of the bananas can also affect aesthetics and fail to convey a sense of solemnity. In cases where a connecting material such as nails or metal wires is used, it is even worse as sharp metal objects are avoided on the altar.
Some Taboos When Choosing Worship Bananas
– Choose bunches of bananas with even numbers of fruits
As mentioned above, one of the common principles when choosing worship bananas is to select bunches with odd numbers of fruits. According to feng shui experts, even numbers are considered negative and unsuitable for households. On the other hand, odd numbers are considered positive and symbolize vitality and good luck.
– Avoid choosing “Tay” bananas
In worship, families should choose “Tieu” bananas. Tieu bananas are usually large in size. The shape of the bananas is curved, making them ideal for holding other types of fruits. In contrast, “Tay” bananas are smaller in size and have shorter fruits, which makes it difficult to arrange other fruits on top. “Tay” bananas are usually only suitable for the altars of Buddhas or Wealth Deities.
– Avoid choosing ripe bananas
When buying Tet worship bananas, homeowners should choose bananas that are still firm and not fully ripe. Such bananas will last longer without falling off, rotting, or spoiling on the altar.
– Avoid choosing bent or crooked bunches
This information is for reference and personal experiences.