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The Power of the Buddha’s Hand Citron: Unlocking Its Benefits, Symbolism, and How to Pick the Perfect Fruit

The Buddha's Hand citron is not just pleasing to the senses with its delightful fragrance but also holds a very special significance during the Tet Holiday. Uncover the meaning behind this unique fruit and learn how to choose the perfect Buddha's Hand this spring festival season.

Administrator

21 July, 2024

On the days leading up to Tet, after cleaning and shopping for necessities, Vietnamese people often choose beautiful Buddha’s hand citrons to display on their ancestral altars or home shrines.

This practice is not solely due to the fruit’s distinctive, gentle fragrance that creates a comfortable atmosphere, but also because Buddha’s hand citrons hold very auspicious meanings.

1What is Buddha’s Hand Citron?

Buddha’s hand citron is a fruit belonging to the Rutaceae family, with the scientific name Citrus medica L. var. sarcodactylis Swingle and the pharmacological name Fructus citri Sarcodactylis. The fruit’s exterior, which branches out into finger-like segments resembling the Buddha’s hand, has led many to consider it a sacred fruit suitable for worship.

Buddha’s hand citron flowers have a fragrant scent, and the fruit contains no juice or pulp, only a spongy pith inside.

2 Is Buddha’s Hand Citron Edible?

Buddha’s hand citron cannot be eaten raw, but it can be used as an ingredient in nutritious dishes and valuable remedies.

3 The Significance of Buddha’s Hand Citron During Tet

Symbol of Buddha’s Protective Hand

Buddha’s hand citron is seen as a symbol of the Buddha’s hand, embracing and protecting people from evil spirits, bringing luck, smoothness, and fulfillment of wishes.

Wishing for Luck and Peace

According to cultural experts, since the introduction of Buddhism from India to Vietnam, monks have carried a fruit with a gentle fragrance and uniquely curved fingers.

Because of its lasting fragrance and spiritual significance, many Vietnamese people use Buddha’s hand citron to adorn their altars, wishing to keep the Buddha and their ancestors in their homes longer to bless their families with luck, peace, and warmth.

Expressing Respect for Ancestors

Buddha’s hand citron is usually placed on the mâm ngũ quả (a tray of five types of fruits) or on the ancestral altar for incense offerings. When placed on the fruit tray, it is typically positioned in the center, the highest point of the arrangement.

4 The Benefits of Buddha’s Hand Citron

Using Buddha’s Hand Citron as Medicine

Buddha’s hand citron contains abundant vitamin C, pectin, organic acids, lemon oil, and glucosides. It is effective in treating indigestion, bloating, stomach aches, hepatitis, sore throat, chest tightness, and rib pain, among other ailments.

Additionally, it can cure chronic bronchitis and infectious hepatitis and treat gynecological issues.

Soaking Buddha’s Hand Citron in Alcohol for Medicinal Purposes

Buddha’s hand citron soaked in alcohol can be used to treat painful periods, cough with phlegm, and bronchitis, as well as to address mental disorders. However, moderate consumption is advised, with a recommended intake of 40-50 ml per serving.

Boiling Buddha’s Hand Citron for a Drink

If you have a cough or digestive issues, boiling Buddha’s hand citron and drinking the water is recommended. Consuming this water daily can provide added benefits.

Making Syrup from Buddha’s Hand Citron

Buddha’s hand citron syrup is effective in treating coughs, especially for children and those with respiratory problems.

Making Jam from Buddha’s Hand Citron

In addition to familiar fruit jams, Buddha’s hand citron jam offers a unique, delicious, and attractive option.

Brewing Tea with Buddha’s Hand Citron

Brewing tea with Buddha’s hand citron not only purifies the body but also treats stomach ailments such as acute and chronic gastritis, bloating, acid reflux, and nausea.

Using Buddha’s Hand Citron as a Cooking Ingredient and Seasoning

Besides being an effective remedy, Buddha’s hand citron can be used to cook porridge for cough relief, make Buddha’s hand citron tea, or serve as a seasoning in nutritious dishes like chicken steamed with lotus leaves, mushrooms, and Buddha’s hand citron; pig intestine stewed with Buddha’s hand citron; or Buddha’s hand citron fruit and mushroom stew.

5 How to Choose Buddha’s Hand Citron

Buddha’s hand citrons are typically displayed on altars during Tet and are commonly sold in traditional markets, making them easily accessible for purchase.

Selecting Buddha’s Hand Citron with a Beautiful Shape and Many Fingers

When buying Buddha’s hand citron, opt for larger fruits with numerous, long, and plump fingers of equal length. Look for fruits with smooth, slightly yellow skin, indicating ripeness, for a longer-lasting fragrance.

Avoid fruits with scratches, wormholes, bruises, or broken fingers. Stay away from unripe Buddha’s hand citrons, even if they are yellow, as they spoil quickly.

Following the “Thịnh – Suy – Bĩ – Thái” Rule

Buyers often count the fingers of the fruit, following the “Thịnh – Suy – Bĩ – Thái” rule. This means counting the fingers repeatedly in that order, and if the last finger falls on “Thịnh” or “Thái,” it is considered very auspicious. These fruits are usually expensive, with prices reaching millions of dong, as a whole garden may yield only one or two such fruits.

6 How to Preserve Buddha’s Hand Citron

To prolong the display of Buddha’s hand citron and maintain its vibrant color, wipe the fruit with white alcohol every 5-7 days to remove dust and grime.

Alternatively, prepare a solution of water and a few B1 vitamins, then place the fruit branches in the water. This method allows the fruit to absorb the water and nutrients, preserving it for up to four months.

Buddha’s hand citron, with its soothing fragrance and auspicious meaning, has long been a favored choice for Vietnamese people during Tet to invoke a sense of peace and to invite the blessings of the Buddha and ancestors for a prosperous and peaceful year.

When selecting and preserving Buddha’s hand citron, it is essential to follow the proper guidelines to ensure the best results.

7 Some Notes on Using Buddha’s Hand Citron

– Avoid excessive consumption of Buddha’s hand citron in a single day.

– Only use naturally grown Buddha’s hand citrons from clear sources; avoid those of unknown origin.

– Do not use damaged or rotten fruits.

– Before use, wash and soak the fruit in diluted saltwater.

– If you have a fever or yin deficiency, refrain from consuming Buddha’s hand citron.

Frequently asked questions

The Buddha’s Hand Citron is a fragrant citrus fruit native to Southeast Asia. It is named for its distinctive hand-shaped form, with elongated fingers or segments sprouting from a central stem.

The Buddha’s Hand Citron is believed to bring good fortune and is often used in religious ceremonies. It has a strong, pleasant aroma that can be used to flavor food and drinks. The fruit also has medicinal properties; it is said to aid digestion, boost the immune system, and promote respiratory health.

The unique shape of the Buddha’s Hand Citron is thought to represent blessings and protection. The fingers or segments are said to symbolize the fingers of the Buddha, offering blessings and protection to those who use or display the fruit.

When selecting a Buddha’s Hand Citron, look for a fruit with bright yellow skin and firm, plump fingers or segments. Avoid those with soft spots or discoloration. The fruit should feel heavy for its size, indicating that it is juicy and ripe.

The Buddha’s Hand Citron can be used in a variety of ways. The zest can be used to add flavor to dishes, the juice can be drunk or used in cocktails, and the peel can be candied or used to make marmalade. The fruit can also be displayed as a decorative centerpiece or used in religious offerings.