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The Do’s and Don’ts of Fruit Offerings on the 15th Day of the Seventh Lunar Month

The Rằm or full moon celebration in the seventh lunar month is a significant event in Vietnamese culture. It is believed that certain fruits offered during this occasion can bring good fortune. Stay tuned as we delve into the do's and don'ts of fruit offerings for the Rằm ceremony, ensuring your prayers and wishes are answered!

Administrator

23 July, 2024

The tradition of offering fruits on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month is a way for descendants to pay respect and show their piety to their ancestors and deities. It is also a way to express their wishes and desires for good things. So, what kind of fruits are suitable for offering during this important occasion, and are there any fruits that should be avoided? Let’s explore these questions in this article.

1. Suitable Fruits for Offering on the 15th Day of the 7th Lunar Month

Apple

Apples are a popular choice due to their vibrant red color and aesthetically pleasing shape. The color red is considered lucky and auspicious in many cultures. In feng shui, apples represent peace and harmony within the family.

Pomelo

In Chinese, the word for “pomelo” sounds similar to “son.” Therefore, offering pomelos is believed to bring blessings of offspring. The round shape of the fruit also symbolizes completeness and abundance, making it an ideal offering to pray for peace, prosperity, and tranquility.

Pineapple

In Chinese, the word for “pineapple” sounds similar to “luck” or “fortune.” Additionally, pineapples are associated with wealth and prosperity in feng shui, and their pleasant aroma makes them a suitable choice for offerings.

Pomegranate

Pomegranates are known for their vibrant red color and juicy seeds, symbolizing fertility and abundance. They are believed to bring family members together and ensure the well-being of the family.

Peach

In feng shui, peaches symbolize wealth and prosperity. In Chinese mythology, peaches are considered a sacred fruit that bestows immortality. Offering peaches is believed to bring longevity and good health to family members.

Watermelon

Watermelons with green rinds and red flesh symbolize the devotion and respect of descendants to their ancestors. The red color of the flesh represents luck and peace. The full and large fruit also conveys a sense of abundance and harmony within the family.

2. Fruits to Avoid Offering on the 15th Day of the 7th Lunar Month

Artificial Fruits

Fruits represent the sincerity and devotion of descendants to their ancestors. While it is understandable that families may have different financial capabilities, it is strongly advised against offering artificial fruits during the Rằm tháng 7 ceremony. According to Vietnamese spiritual beliefs, fresh fruits symbolize positivity and new beginnings. Using artificial fruits during this important occasion is considered disrespectful to the deities and ancestors and may bring bad feng shui to the family.

Banana

While bananas are commonly chosen for festive occasions as they symbolize wealth and unity, it is recommended to avoid offering them during Rằm tháng 7 as they may attract unwanted guests.

Fruits with Sharp Spikes or Thorns

According to feng shui principles, fruits with sharp spikes or thorns symbolize difficulties and obstacles. Offering such fruits may bring disharmony and negatively impact the peace and well-being of the family. Additionally, these fruits may not be aesthetically pleasing.

Fruits with Overpowering Scents

It is advisable to choose fruits with subtle and pleasant aromas for offerings. Fruits with overpowering scents may not only be unpleasant for the host but may also bring bad luck.

Bitter or Sour Fruits

According to Vietnamese beliefs, bitter or sour fruits are not suitable for offerings as they symbolize bitterness and sorrow in life. Such fruits are believed to bring bad luck and hinder prayers for wealth and prosperity.

Overripe or Damaged Fruits

It is recommended to choose fruits that are perfectly ripe. Overripe or damaged fruits are more susceptible to decay and may attract insects, disrupting the solemnity of the worship space and showing disrespect to the ancestors.

3. How to Arrange the Fruit Offering for Rằm tháng 7

Arranging Fruit Offering for Rằm tháng 7

Feng shui experts suggest choosing fruits that symbolize luck and prosperity to ensure the well-being and harmony of the family, as well as good health.

From the list of suitable fruits mentioned above, you can select 3 or 5 types of fruits to arrange on the offering plate, depending on the number of incense burners you have (3 burners for 3 types of fruits, 5 burners for 5 types of fruits). It is important to remember that only odd numbers such as 1, 3, 5, etc., are used for offerings.

Step 1 Use a damp paper towel to gently wipe the fruits clean.
Step 2 Place the most beautiful fruit in the center of the plate.
Step 3 Arrange the remaining fruits around the central fruit, facing different directions to symbolize protection and unity.
Step 4 Optionally, you can add decorations such as rolled-up paper money, real money, or flowers to enhance the visual appeal of the fruit plate.

For reference: How to light the incense properly?

This article has provided insightful suggestions on the types of fruits suitable and unsuitable for offering during Rằm tháng 7. May this information be of help to you and your family.

Frequently asked questions

It is known as the ‘Vu Lan Reporter Festival’ or ‘Ghost Festival’, and is a time when the living offer prayers and gifts to their ancestors and the dead.

Fruit offerings are a traditional and respectful way to honor one’s ancestors and the spirits of the dead. It is believed that the fruit provides nourishment and satisfaction to the spirits, bringing good fortune and blessings to the offerer.

The most common fruits offered are bananas, apples, pears, and dragon fruit. These fruits are chosen for their sweetness, fragrance, and symbolic meanings. For example, bananas represent the Buddha’s ‘four virtues’, while apples symbolize peace and harmony.

Yes, it is customary to arrange the fruit in an aesthetically pleasing manner, often on a tray or platter. The tray is typically covered with a red cloth, symbolizing good luck and happiness. Incense sticks are also often included with the fruit offerings.

Mangoes and durians are typically avoided as offerings. Mangoes are considered too ‘hot’ and durians are believed to attract negative spirits with their strong odor.

Yes, it is common to offer a variety of foods, including cakes, biscuits, and traditional Vietnamese dishes. These offerings provide a hearty and satisfying meal for the spirits.

The festival is a family affair, so members of the immediate and extended family often come together to prepare and present the offerings. It is a time to honor one’s ancestors and strengthen family bonds.

Yes, prayers are often recited during the offering, expressing gratitude towards the ancestors and seeking their blessings. Incense is burned, and some families may also include photos of deceased loved ones as part of the ritual.

The fruit offerings during the 15th day of the seventh lunar month reflect the deep respect and reverence that Vietnamese people have for their ancestors and the dead. It is a time to remember and honor one’s cultural roots, and it reinforces the values of family, gratitude, and spiritual connection.