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Why Does the Tradition of Beating Trees on the Holiday of Tết Đoan Ngọ Yield an Abundance of Fruits in the Following Season?

One of the longest-standing traditions of the Tết Đoan Ngọ festival is the practice of 'tree-coaxing', believed to encourage trees to bear more fruit in the coming season. But have you ever wondered why this ancient custom has stood the test of time? And does it really work? Find out more in this insightful article.

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14 July, 2024

The Tet Doan Ngo, or Double Fifth Festival, is a unique Vietnamese tradition with a fascinating custom of tree caning. But is there more to this ritual than meets the eye? Could it be based on scientific principles rather than just superstition? Let’s delve into this intriguing topic and uncover the truth.

1Unraveling the Meaning of Tree Caning on Tet Doan Ngo

Exploring the significance of tree caning on Tet Doan Ngo

Vietnamese culture is deeply rooted in agriculture, and Tet Doan Ngo, which falls on the 5th of May, is believed to be a critical transitional period for crops. Various customs, such as gathering medicinal leaves, consuming fruits, tro cakes, and fermented sticky rice, are observed during this time to ward off diseases and ensure a healthy harvest. Tree caning is one such tradition, specifically targeting trees that have been infested with pests, bearing little to no fruit.

At precisely noon (the hour of Ngo), a pair, typically an adult and a child, perform the tree caning ritual. The younger individual climbs the tree, embodying the spirit of the tree, while the older one asks why the tree hasn’t borne fruit. They then knock on the tree trunk with a knife, engaging in a dialogue with the “tree.”

This ritual culminates in a gentle strike on the trunk, accompanied by a “threat” that the tree will be cut down if it doesn’t bear fruit in the next season. This custom reflects the Vietnamese people’s deep yearning for abundance and prosperity, not just in their crops but in all aspects of life.

2Unveiling the Science Behind Tree Caning’s Effectiveness

According to vnexpress.net, Vu Tien Dung offers a scientific explanation for this phenomenon:

3Exploring the Scientific Explanations

Plants thrive through nutrient absorption for growth and leaf development. When we strike the tree trunk with a knife, we interfere with its natural growth process. If a tree is lush but fruitless, it indicates balanced and robust growth across all its parts. By inflicting a wound, we create an adverse condition for the tree’s development. Instinctively, the tree will then prioritize channeling nutrients to fruit production to ensure its survival and continuation of the species.

In essence, this practice manipulates the tree’s natural growth process, and according to metabolic laws, the tree will exert all its energy into fruit production.

4Is Tree Caning Enough?

While tree caning is a cherished tradition, modern agricultural practices have evolved. Today, gardeners and farmers manipulate the metabolic laws by pruning branches and shaping trees to achieve the same goal of abundant fruit yield. Additionally, a scientific approach to farming, including proper fertilizing, care, weather conditions, and soil suitability, is crucial for a bountiful harvest. Ignoring these factors and relying solely on old planting methods will not yield desirable results.

Tree caning is a fascinating Vietnamese tradition with a scientific basis. However, to ensure a plentiful harvest, it must be complemented by modern farming practices such as adjusting fertilization, meticulous care, soil aeration, and tree care.

Frequently asked questions

Tet Doan Ngo, also known as the ‘Holiday of Beating Trees’, is an annual tradition in Vietnam. The belief is that by beating the trees, people are driving away bad luck and inviting an abundance of fruits and prosperity in the coming season.

This tradition is based on the idea of stimulating the trees to yield more fruits. People beat the trees with sticks or whips, believing that it will encourage the trees to produce a bountiful harvest. It is also thought to ward off any potential diseases or pests that could harm the trees and the crops.

Yes, typically fruit-bearing trees such as mango, jackfruit, and dragon fruit trees are the focus of this tradition. These trees are believed to be the most receptive to the practice and are expected to bear an abundance of fruits after being stimulated in this manner.

While there may not be any direct scientific evidence to support the tradition, some experts suggest that the act of beating the trees could have some benefits. The physical stimulation may help promote pollen dispersal and encourage fruit development. However, the effectiveness of this practice is largely based on cultural and spiritual beliefs.

Yes, similar traditions can be found in other agricultural societies around the world. For example, in some parts of India, people practice a ritual called ‘Beating the Retreat of the Monsoon’ where they beat drums and make loud noises to drive away the monsoon rains and welcome a bountiful harvest season.