Buzz
1. Not Understanding the Meaning of Each Type of Fruit
The five-fruit tray symbolizes 5 types of fruits corresponding to 5 colors such as black, white, red, green, and yellow representing the five elements of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth.
Therefore, in the North, green bananas are an indispensable fruit for the five-fruit tray. Green bananas symbolize cohesion and wrapping, representing the Wood element.
Yellow grapefruits are placed in the middle corresponding to the Earth element symbolizing the wish for prosperity to come to the family. Dark-colored or black fruits such as persimmons, cherries symbolize the Water element. Around these two types of fruits, red fruits such as apples are placed corresponding to the Metal and Water elements.
In addition to fruits that are suitable for the five elements, families can also choose fruits with different meanings to express their wishes.
Displaying Too Many Items
While the five-fruit tray usually consists of 5 types of fruits symbolizing abundance, luck, and prosperity, you can display more than 5 types of fruits.
Many families also place candies or flowers on the five-fruit tray. This is completely wrong and considered disrespectful. Therefore, you should only place candies separately, not together with the five-fruit tray.
Fruits on the Tray Being Wet
Some fruits may still be wet from washing, which can cause them to quickly spoil. In this case, use a clean cloth or soft paper to gently dry them.
Choosing Ripe Fruits
Choosing Ripe Fruits Too Early
Many people make the mistake of buying ripe fruits too early, on the 27th or 28th of Tet, to prepare the five-fruit tray. A few days later, these fruits become wrinkled and overly ripe, leading to spoilage. The best approach is to buy fruits that are not fully ripe or just ripe enough to prevent them from spoiling when placed on the five-fruit tray.
