The 15th day of the lunar 7th month is one of the most important festivals for Vietnamese people. During this occasion, families prepare offerings to pay respect to their ancestors and deities and perform rituals for lost souls.
The offerings can be either vegetarian or meat-based, but fresh fruit is a must. Choosing the right type of fruit for the ceremony is essential. Not all fruits are suitable for the ancestral altar, including bananas.
**Why are bananas not offered during the 15th of the lunar 7th month?**
According to Feng Shui, a bunch of bananas resembles an upturned palm, attracting blessings, luck, and good fortune in life. The bananas, lying close to each other, symbolize the image of a family gathering, protecting and sheltering one another. Therefore, people often place bananas on the ancestral altar during festive occasions, wishing for peace, prosperity, and success in their ventures.
Some people avoid offering bananas during the 15th of the lunar 7th month.
However, during the 15th of the lunar 7th month, people tend to refrain from using bananas as offerings. They believe that placing bananas on the altar during the ‘hungry ghost’ month will attract unwanted guests into their homes.
This belief is based on folk superstition, and not everyone adheres to it. Families can follow their customs and circumstances when offering sacrifices, as long as they maintain solemnity and respect during the rituals.
**Other types of fruits to avoid during the 15th of the lunar 7th month**
*- Artificial fruits*
Nowadays, artificial fruits are made to look very similar to their real counterparts in terms of shape and color. Some people may consider using these for convenience and to avoid the issue of decay. However, offering artificial fruits on the ancestral altar shows a lack of reverence and is not considered favorable for the family.
It is recommended to choose fresh and intact fruits for offerings during the 15th of the lunar 7th month, avoiding artificial fruits, bruised, or overripe ones.
*- Bruised or overripe fruits*
The fruits offered on the ancestral altar must be fresh and intact. Using overripe or bruised fruits indicates a lack of respect. Moreover, such fruits can attract flies and insects, disrupting the tranquility and solemnity of the altar area.
*- Fruits with sharp thorns*
Fruits like jackfruit, durian, and Thai mangoes, which have sharp thorns, are avoided. These thorns symbolize obstacles and difficulties, which are not conducive to the family’s wealth, career, and luck.
*- Fruits with strong odors*
Fruits with strong odors, such as durian and jackfruit, are not suitable for the ancestral altar. It is believed that these fruits disrupt the solemn atmosphere of the worship area.
**Notes on offering fruits to the ancestral altar**
Fresh fruits that can be offered during the 15th of the lunar 7th month include apples, peaches, pomelos, and pomegranates. This period coincides with the peak season for these fruits, making it easier to select the freshest and best-quality ones. Additionally, these fruits carry auspicious meanings, bringing good luck to the family.
When lighting incense on the ancestral altar, the host should offer an odd number of fruits, preferably three to five.
* *Information is for reference only.*
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