Why do many families avoid burning banana incense? Understanding the correct way to worship to attract prosperity

In Vietnamese culture, bananas are a common fruit used for worship, but many families consider it to be unlucky.

0
140

The significance of offering banana as an incense?

Banana is a well-known fruit offering in Vietnamese culture, especially in the northern region. In the northern region, bananas are an essential fruit in the five-fruit tray, especially during Tet (Lunar New Year) and important family rituals such as ancestor worship and weddings. Bananas are considered the most important fruit on the ancestral altar. Additionally, there may be pomelos, oranges, mandarins, pears, apples, mangoes, chilies, kumquats, Buddha’s hand citrons, watermelons, coconuts, etc., depending on the family. However, the common feature among people in the northern region is the need for bananas during Tet.

The preferred bananas for the ancestral altar in the northern region are green bananas and twisted bananas (dwarf bananas). These bananas are long, large, curved, and can hold other fruits. Carefully chosen bananas should have stems and be green, but not unripe, with no dark spots or scratches that leak sap. The number of bananas on the bunch should be odd, which is given priority over even numbers.

In the ancestral tray of the northern people, bananas symbolize protection and care, representing good luck and family unity. It is believed that ancestors’ spirits will provide protection and good luck to the family and bring prosperity and luck in business.

However, many families, especially those in the southern region, avoid offering bananas.

Why do many families avoid bananas?

Most families avoid offering bananas due to their symbolic meaning in the language used during ancestral worship. In the cultural practice of ancestor worship, offering items should have positive and meaningful names. Similar to many families not offering lilies because they fear separation or not offering avocados because they fear their ancestors’ disregard, some families also avoid offering bananas due to the language-based taboo.

Linguistically, bananas are associated with unfortunate and negative meanings. The word for banana implies a lack of prosperity, unwanted outcomes, and difficulties. In southern dialects, banana is also pronounced similarly to the word for “begging for trouble” in the context of the Lunar New Year.

Therefore, many families, not only in the southern region but also in other regions, avoid fruits with names that carry negative connotations, such as bananas and oranges (unfavorable oranges), pears (slow movement)…

Due to these linguistic influences, the ancestral tray in the southern region usually does not include pomelos, oranges, or pears. Instead, it may consist of Cau (dracaena), Vu (coconut), Du (papaya), Xai (mango), Sung (fig), or Cau (dracaena), Vu (coconut), Du (papaya), Thom (sugarcane).

However, in today’s cultural exchanges, people from different regions live together and blend their cultures. Therefore, sometimes the five-fruit tray in some families does not strictly follow any specific region’s customs.

But if you are a newcomer or a new daughter-in-law in your husband’s family, it is important to have some knowledge of local customs and beliefs within your own family to have an appropriate ancestral tray, avoid any unlucky situations, and understand the family dynamics to ensure a joyful Lunar New Year. It is essential to choose offerings based on the family’s language symbolism or local customs, but the most important thing is that everyone in the family has a shared understanding and consciousness. Alternatively, if you and other family members have different beliefs, try to put yourself in their shoes to understand their perspective and where their views come from. This will lead to more empathy and harmony, preventing disputes among siblings over offerings on the ancestral altar and maintaining positive energy, as arguments and conflicts over ancestral offerings would be the most unfavorable in terms of feng shui.

This information is for reference and contemplation purposes only.

You may also like

8 Traditional Games to Bring Family Fun to Tet Holiday at Home

As the Lunar New Year approaches, many families are preparing to celebrate with festive traditions and activities. To honor this time-honored event, let’s take a look at 8 fun traditional games that can be easily enjoyed at home with friends and family.

Ideas for Meaningful Birthday Gifts for Senior Loved Ones

Celebrating the significant life milestones of those close to us is a meaningful way to show our love and appreciation. Get inspired by Điện Máy XANH’s list of the top 20 meaningful gifts for the elderly to show the important people in your life how much you care!

Discover the Thuy Long Thanh Mau Festival – A Celebration of Gratitude to the Goddess Kim Giao

The Thuy Long Thanh Mau Festival is an important event for the people of Phu Quoc on the first day of the new year. Let’s explore this festival together!

Hồ Ngọc Hà promotes old Saigon with a modern fashion twist, why?

In her latest photoshoot with her students, Hồ Ngọc Hà aims to recreate the charm of old Saigon.

The Meaning, Planting, and Care of the Apricot Blossom

Vietnamese people often choose apricot trees to worship and decorate their homes, and this is not a coincidence. The apricot blossom, especially during Tet holidays in the Southern region, holds a profound and significant meaning. Let’s explore more about it in this article.