The 5 Types of Fruits: Delicious, Visually Appealing, but Historically Avoided for Incense Burning.
Selecting fruits for offerings on the 1st and 15th day of the lunar month, as well as on important holidays, is a long-standing tradition for Vietnamese people. However, there are five types of fruits that the elders advise against using for offerings, despite their appealing taste and appearance.
There are five types of delicious and visually appealing fruits that are considered inauspicious for ancestral altars according to traditional beliefs. These include pineapples, oranges, fruits with overpowering odors, bitter or sour fruits, and artificial fruits.
It is believed that offering these fruits on ancestral altars may bring bad luck and offend the deities, leading to a decline in the family’s fortune and prosperity.
5 Delicious but Inauspicious Fruits for Ancestral Altars
1. Pineapple
Characteristics: Pineapple, also known as tropical fruit, is renowned for its distinct sweet taste and aroma. With its unique shape and golden hue, pineapple is not only delicious but also visually appealing. It is a nutritious and attractive fruit, rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
Reason for Taboo: The Vietnamese word for pineapple, “dứa,” sounds similar to the words “điếc” (deaf) and “dứt” (end). In folk beliefs, placing pineapples on the ancestral altar may signify bad luck and obstacles in the family’s endeavors. Therefore, despite its taste and beauty, pineapple is avoided on altars.
2. Oranges
Characteristics: Oranges are among the most popular fruits, known for their sweet yet refreshing taste and pleasant aroma. They are loved not only for their juicy freshness but also for their high vitamin C content, which boosts immunity and promotes health. Oranges, with their round shape and vibrant color, are a delightful addition to meals and festive occasions.
Reason for Taboo: The word “orange” in Vietnamese, “cam,” sounds similar to the word “khó” in Chinese, which means “difficult.” In Eastern culture, offering oranges is considered inauspicious, especially during ceremonies and holidays when people wish for good fortune and blessings for themselves and their families.
3. Fruits with Overpowering Odors
While durian and jackfruit are delicious, their strong and heavy fragrances can detract from the serene and pure atmosphere desired in a place of worship. Therefore, these fruits are not suitable for offering to Buddha, deities, or ancestors.
4. Bitter, Sour, and Spicy Fruits
Avoid Bitter, Sour, and Spicy Fruits for Ancestral Offerings
Fruits with bitter, sour, or spicy flavors, such as tamarind, bitter melon, chili peppers, green plums, and star fruit, are not recommended for ancestral altars. These fruits are often associated with the bitterness and sourness of life. Choosing not to offer them is believed to avoid inviting bad luck and unfortunate events.
5. Artificial Fruits
When making offerings and burning incense, it is considered disrespectful to use artificial fruits, as it may impact the family’s fortune. According to folk beliefs, ancestors and deities only “consume” the essence and fragrance of the offerings. Therefore, it is essential to choose fresh fruits with a pleasant aroma to show reverence and sincerity.
When selecting fruits for ancestral altars, it is crucial to choose the freshest and most attractive ones, with intact skins, as a sign of respect. Additionally, avoid using damaged or bruised fruits, as they are considered inappropriate and disrespectful.
(This article is for reference only and is not meant to be taken as absolute truth)
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