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8 Types of Fruits You Should Avoid Putting on the Traditional Vietnamese Tet Holiday Tray

Are you aware of the eight types of fruits that are considered inauspicious to include in the traditional Vietnamese New Year fruit platter, also known as the "Five-Fruit Tray?" Join us as we delve into this fascinating topic and uncover the secrets behind these forbidden fruits.

Administrator

10 July, 2024

It is customary to offer a selection of the finest and most beautiful fruits to our ancestors during the Lunar New Year celebrations, expressing our respect and wishing for luck and prosperity for the family in the coming year. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the following types of fruits that are considered inauspicious and should be avoided when preparing the fruit tray.

The traditions and cultural beliefs of each region influence the arrangement and taboos associated with the types of fruits included in the tray:

1Northern Region

Durian

Durian

The Northern region does not have specific taboos regarding the types of fruits included in the Lunar New Year fruit tray. However, durian is typically not chosen for this occasion. The belief is that its thorns may displease the deities, leading to a year filled with challenges and difficulties in various aspects of life.

Additionally, the altar is considered a sacred and serene space, and the chosen fruits should have a mild and pleasant fragrance. Hence, durian, with its strong aroma, is usually absent from the fruit tray. Furthermore, durian is more commonly associated with the Southern region and has only gained popularity in the North in recent years.

2Central Region

Papaya

Papaya

The Central region, being in the middle of the country, is influenced by the traditions of both the Northern and Southern regions. As a result, people in this region also avoid fruits with unlucky names (as in the Southern region) when preparing the Lunar New Year fruit tray, with papaya being a notable example.

The pronunciation of “papaya” in the Central regional accent sounds similar to “enough enemies,” which may lead to conflicts and disharmony in relationships.

3Southern Region

Among the three regions, the Southern region has the most taboos regarding the types of fruits included in the Lunar New Year fruit tray. The people here attach great importance to the semantic associations of fruit names, avoiding those with “unlucky” connotations:

Banana

Banana

While the Northern region always includes bananas in their fruit trays, the Southern region does the opposite. They believe that the word “banana” sounds similar to “stooping,” indicating decline and a lack of progress and success.

Pear

Pear

People in the Southern region also avoid placing pears on the fruit tray because they believe that “pear” sounds like “dragging,” indicating stagnation and failure in various endeavors.

Orange

Orange

A common saying in the Southern region is “working for nothing,” and as a result, oranges are also considered inauspicious. They are believed to signify obstacles and a lack of smoothness in one’s endeavors and misfortune in life.

3General Notes on Inauspicious Fruits

When selecting fruits for the tray, it is advisable to avoid overly ripe or quick-ripening fruits such as mangoes, peaches, and persimmons. When left for extended periods, these fruits tend to spoil quickly, attracting flies and insects, which is unsuitable for the altar.

Fruits with strong odors should also be avoided, as the altar is a sacred and clean space. Opt for fruits with mild fragrances instead.

Fruits with bitter, spicy, or sour flavors are also typically not placed on the altar, as they may evoke associations with the bitterness and hardships of life.
For further reference:

General Notes on Inauspicious Fruits

Additionally, some fruits have names that are not considered “pleasant-sounding,” such as Sapoche (which sounds like “criticize”), jackfruit (called “bom” in the Southern region), pomegranate (which sounds like “grenade”), and durian (associated with “sadness”).

Many people also avoid using artificial fruits, deformed fruits, or fruits with an unusual shape for the tray, as they believe that doing so shows a lack of respect for their ancestors and deities and may bring bad luck.

Further reading: and what should we avoid doing to attract good luck throughout the year?

Hopefully, this information has helped you understand the types of fruits considered inauspicious for the Lunar New Year fruit tray. As the saying goes, “Respect the ancestors, and they will bless you; heed the taboos, and you will be safe.” So, it’s essential to be mindful of these traditions to usher in a fortunate new year.

Frequently asked questions

The Tet Holiday tray is a symbolic and aesthetic display, and certain fruits are avoided as they are believed to bring bad luck or are not considered aesthetically pleasing. For example, fruits with a strong smell, like durian, are not used as their smell can overpower the fragrance of other flowers and incense used in the celebrations.

Fruits that are typically avoided include jackfruit, mango, and dragon fruit. Jackfruit and mango are not used as they are believed to bring bad luck and are associated with poverty. Dragon fruit is often excluded as it is not considered aesthetically pleasing with its bright pink color and unusual shape.

Yes, it is important to choose fruits that are in season and of good quality. The tray should also have a variety of colors and textures to make it visually appealing. Additionally, the number of fruits on the tray should be even, as odd numbers are considered unlucky.

Traditional fruits that are often used include pomelos, which symbolize prosperity and good luck, and oranges or tangerines, which represent wealth and abundance. Other popular choices are apricots, peaches, and plums, as they symbolize longevity and good health.

While you can include fruits of your choice, it is important to be mindful of the cultural significance and symbolism associated with the Tet Holiday tray. Including or excluding certain fruits can impact the overall aesthetics and meaning of the display.