Why Do We Place Fruits on the Ancestral Altar?
Ancestral worship is an integral part of Vietnamese culture, serving as a way to honor ancestors and deities and express hopes for a peaceful life filled with blessings.
On special occasions such as the full moon, new moon, holidays, and death anniversaries, families prepare a tray of fruits as an offering.
Fruits are considered a symbol of abundance and prosperity, with their seeds representing life and longevity.
Each type of fruit has its own unique significance. Typically, fruits that are slightly ripe, aesthetically pleasing, and mildly fragrant are chosen for the altar. Sharp, pungent, or overripe fruits are avoided.
How to Arrange Fruits on the Ancestral Altar
The traditional way is to display a tray with five types of fruits, representing the five elements of the universe: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth. The colors of the fruits correspond to these elements, with red symbolizing luck and wealth, and yellow representing abundance.
Commonly offered fruits include watermelon, dragon fruit, apples, papaya, figs, pineapples, pomelos, oranges, and Buddha’s hand citrons.
Depending on their means, families can choose the most suitable fruits for their offerings.
Where Should Fruits Be Placed on the Ancestral Altar?
According to folk beliefs, the incense burner should be placed in the center of the altar, symbolizing the convergence of celestial bodies. On either side of the burner are oil lamps or candles, representing the sun and the moon.
The fruit tray is placed in front of the burner, with the person making the offerings facing the altar.
Additionally, it is customary to follow the principle of “East for flowers, West for fruits.” This arrangement reflects the natural cycle of the sun rising in the East and setting in the West, with flowers blooming before fruits appear. Thus, the flower vase is placed in the East, and the fruit tray in the West.
To determine East and West on the altar, stand facing the altar, with the left side (from your perspective) being East and the right side being West.
If there are multiple fruit trays, they can be arranged symmetrically to maintain balance.
This information is for reference only and is subject to individual interpretation.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Ancestor Worship: Why Bananas Don’t Belong on the Altar.
The humble banana is a ubiquitous fruit, often adorning altars during festive occasions. However, on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month, it is customary for homeowners to refrain from offering bananas.
The Altar’s Unfortunate Placement: A Tale of Misfortune and Resilience
If your altar is placed in this ‘wealth-draining’ direction, no matter how hard you work or pray, you will remain persistently poor. It is of utmost importance that you pay attention to this and take the necessary steps to rectify it.
“A Wise Saying About the Roles of Individuals with Different Physical Attributes”
“A wise old saying goes, ‘Those with long backs will aid the king, and those with long legs will roam far and wide.’ This ancient proverb isn’t just a nugget of life advice; it also reflects the aesthetics valued by our ancestors. But what does this saying truly mean?”
What Does Offering Real Money at an Altar Mean? You Won’t Believe the True Meaning Behind This Act!
Many individuals leave real money on the altar when praying or making offerings to their ancestors, believing that this will bring them wealth and prosperity.
The Intriguing Reason Behind Placing a Vase on the Left Side of an Ancestral Altar: Unveiling an Ancient Practice
The vase is an essential item on the altar. Little did you know, the affluent often place a vase on the left side of the altar.
