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The Color Significance of the Five-Fruit Tray for Lunar New Year

The Tet holiday fruit tray is a vibrant tradition, with each region in Vietnam curating a unique display of colorful fruits. This symbolic arrangement represents the homeowner's aspirations for the coming year. But what do these colors truly mean? Let's delve into the specific cultural significance of these colorful Tet fruit trays and uncover the hidden messages within.

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14 July, 2024

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The mâm ngũ quả, or five-fruit tray, is an integral part of the Vietnamese Lunar New Year celebrations, adorning ancestral altars and welcoming guests. This tradition holds deep spiritual significance, with each fruit carefully selected and arranged to symbolize the family’s wishes for the coming year.

While cultural practices evolve over time, the custom of arranging the mâm ngũ quả persists in Vietnamese households due to its profound symbolic value. The fruits chosen and their arrangement vary across regions, influenced by local climate, produce, and beliefs.

1Understanding the Mâm Ngũ Quả

The Concept of Mâm Ngũ Quả

The mâm ngũ quả is a tray of approximately five different types of fruits displayed during the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, known as Tết Nguyên Đán. It is typically placed on the ancestral altar or used as a centerpiece when welcoming guests. The fruits are carefully chosen to convey the host family’s wishes through their names, colors, and arrangement.

Today, the mâm ngũ quả serves both decorative and spiritual purposes, adding to the festive atmosphere of the Lunar New Year celebrations.

2The Significance of Colors in the Mâm Ngũ Quả

The Significance of Colors in the Mâm Ngũ Quả

The mâm ngũ quả embodies the five elements of nature according to the philosophy of the five elements (Ngũ Hành): Metal (white), Wood (green), Water (black), Fire (red), and Earth (yellow). Additionally, the number “five” represents the host family’s aspirations for a prosperous and blessed life: Phúc (fortune), Quý (nobility), Thọ (longevity), Khang (health), and Ninh (peace).

The fruits displayed on the mâm ngũ quả vary in types and colors, with green symbolizing peace, red and orange representing luck, and yellow signifying wealth.

Traditionally, the mâm ngũ quả of Vietnamese families includes the following fruits:

Green bananas – symbolizing family reunion and abundance.
Green Buddha’s hand citrons – resembling the hand of the Buddha, offering protection to the family. The Buddha’s hand citron represents new blessings and the wish for peace and prosperity from the ancestors.
Golden pomelos – signifying health and prosperity.
Red dragon fruits – representing financial prosperity and good luck.
Golden papayas – symbolizing wealth and fulfillment, with the hope for a more prosperous and progressive new year than the previous one.

3Selecting Fruits for the Mâm Ngũ Quả

Tips for Choosing Fruits for the Mâm Ngũ Quả

To create an aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting mâm ngũ quả, consumers should be meticulous in their fruit selection. With an abundance of choices during the Lunar New Year season, it is essential to make wise decisions when purchasing fruits for this special tray.

Choose fruits that are just ripe to maintain their freshness and longevity.
Select firm fruits with no bruises or scratches, and ensure they have their stems and leaves intact.
Avoid washing the fruits as this can cause them to spoil or rot due to water retention.

This article has explored the meaning of the mâm ngũ quả and the significance of its colors during the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. Preparing the mâm ngũ quả is a way to honor our ancestors and express our gratitude for their blessings. We hope this guide has enhanced your understanding of this tradition and inspired you to create your own beautiful and meaningful fruit tray this Lunar New Year.

Frequently asked questions

The five-fruit tray is a traditional offering during the Lunar New Year celebrations, symbolizing prosperity, luck, and good health. Each type of fruit on the tray represents a specific wish for the coming year.

The colors of the fruits on the tray have specific meanings. Red represents happiness, vitality, and good luck. Green symbolizes longevity and harmony, while yellow signifies wealth and prosperity. Purple fruits are for good fortune and honor, and orange or golden fruits represent wealth and good luck.

Apples represent peace and prosperity. Peaches or persimmons are for good health and longevity. Pomelos or grapefruit signify wealth and good luck. Plums or apricots are for a harmonious and fortunate life, while oranges or tangerines represent wealth and good fortune.

It is believed that using the traditional fruits brings the most luck and blessings, but you can include additional fruits that hold personal significance or are difficult to source. The key is to ensure the colors represented on the tray remain balanced and meaningful.

Arrange the fruits on a round or oval tray, preferably in a symmetrical pattern. Start with the red fruits in the center, then work outwards with the other colors. Ensure the tray is aesthetically pleasing and balanced, as this represents harmony and prosperity.