Why Do the Elders Say “Plant Melons for the Young, Plant Bananas for the Old”?

Planting Trees: A Timeless Tradition

In the world of agriculture, banana and custard apple trees are commonly grown for their fruit. However, in the past, cultivating custard apple trees was more challenging than growing bananas. Bananas are easier to plant and care for, making them more popular among farmers.

Custard apple trees have a slow growth rate, and it takes two to three years, or even up to five to six years, for them to bear fruit when grown from seeds. In contrast, banana trees bear fruit within a year of planting. Therefore, in the past, it was believed that older individuals, facing an uncertain future, should plant banana trees as they provide a quicker harvest. Younger individuals, with more time on their side, could opt for custard apple trees, which offer higher economic value despite the longer wait.

Based on this traditional wisdom, if one seeks quick returns, bananas are the way to go. However, for a more long-term investment, custard apple trees are the better choice.

Bananas are low-maintenance plants; they require minimal care after planting and will bear fruit without much intervention. In contrast, custard apple trees are more challenging to grow and are typically suited for hilly areas. Not all regions are suitable for custard apple cultivation, and getting them to bear fruit is more difficult compared to bananas. As such, growing custard apple trees demands more energy and effort.

Thus, the saying “young people plant custard apple trees, old people plant bananas” considers not only the time required for harvest but also the level of effort needed for maintenance. Older individuals, with less energy, can opt for banana trees, which require less upkeep. Younger people, with their abundance of time and energy, can take on the challenge of growing custard apple trees, knowing that the payoff will be greater in the end.

More Than Just Gardening Advice

This traditional wisdom extends beyond agriculture and can be applied to investment strategies as well. Older individuals may be reminded to choose economic ventures that align with their life stage, opting for shorter-term plans. On the other hand, younger people have the luxury of time and can afford to make long-term investments and plans.

Additionally, this saying holds significance in the spiritual realm. In Vietnamese funeral traditions, banana trees are used for incense holders, and small banana trees are planted. During the mourning period, dried banana leaves are braided to tie around the mourners’ clothing and heads. The symbolism of the banana tree represents the falling of leaves back to their roots.

Thus, the saying “old people plant bananas” serves as a reminder of one’s mortality and the acceptance of life’s inevitable cycle. As individuals age, they embrace a sense of calm, no longer fearing death, and instead, they prepare for it. They live with a newfound perspective, understanding that life is fleeting, and they make peace with the unknown.

Reference for contemplation