It serves as a decoration for the Lunar New Year and is also an offering to the deities and ancestors, symbolizing wishes for a healthy, prosperous, secure, happy, wealthy, and lucky new year. The presence of the five-fruit tray creates a warm and loving atmosphere during the Lunar New Year.
Watch a video on how to arrange the five-fruit tray here.
The five-fruit tray originates from the concept of the five elements in Eastern philosophy. According to this belief, the world is made up of five elements: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth, represented by the colors white, black, blue, green, red, and yellow. The five-fruit tray symbolizes the five elements with their corresponding colors, representing completeness and abundance.
Traditionally, the five fruits in the tray include:
1 Bananas
Bananas
Bananas, representing the Wood element, are essential in the five-fruit tray. They also symbolize hands reaching out and connecting with others.
2 Pomelos
Pomelos
Yellow pomelos symbolize the Earth element and bring wishes for blessings and prosperity. Alternatively, Buddha’s hand, which is yellow, can be used instead of pomelos.
3 Red Apples
Red Apples
Red apples represent the Fire element and symbolize warmth, abundance, and good fortune.
4 Loquats (also called “mận” in the South)
Loquats (also called “mận” in the South)
Loquats, known as “mận” in the North and “quả mận” in the South, are white and represent the Metal element. The color of these fruits signifies wishes for wealth and career success.
5 Black Grapes
Black Grapes
Black grapes symbolize the Water element. In feng shui, grapes represent the creation of material wealth and are also associated with success. Grapes can turn bad luck into good luck.
In addition to choosing the five-fruit tray based on the five elements, many families also select fruits based on their symbolic meanings. For example, peaches symbolize abundance, mangoes represent abundance and prosperity, apples represent wealth, pears represent advancement, and oranges and tangerines represent strength and success.
Due to the regional diversity in Vietnam, the composition of the five-fruit tray may vary. To create the most beautiful five-fruit tray, you should choose fruits based on the five elements and their corresponding colors, as well as their symbolic meanings, to achieve the most complete and prosperous representation.