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1. Northern Style Tet Fruit Platter Arrangement
In Northern Vietnam, people traditionally arrange fruit platters based on the concept of the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth, reflecting Eastern cultural beliefs. Hence, fruits are selected to represent the five colors: white, green, black, red, and yellow, corresponding to the elements.
The quantity of fruits varies among families, some opting for abundance while others keep it minimal. Families typically purchase a variety of fruits and arrange them in a visually pleasing manner.
Northern Vietnamese households mainly choose fruits such as bananas, pomelos, peaches, mandarins, and persimmons for their fruit platters. Nowadays, the concept of 'five fruits' is more flexible, allowing for a wider variety of fruits. You can opt for six or seven types of fruits or even more, as an abundant display still symbolizes prosperity.
The optimal way to arrange the fruit platter is to place a bunch of green bananas at the bottom of the dish. Then, arrange the other fruits on top of the bananas, decorating them for the most visually appealing presentation.
2. Best Tet Fruit Platter Arrangement in Central Vietnam
Central Vietnam experiences the harshest weather conditions in our country, often facing storms, floods, and droughts, which result in limited fruit cultivation. Therefore, people in Central Vietnam are less rigid in the form and symbolism of fruit platters. Typically, they offer whatever they have, ensuring freshness to honor their ancestors. Common fruits in Central Vietnam's fruit platters include dragon fruit, bananas, pineapples, and mangosteens.
3. Perfect Tet Fruit Platter Arrangement in Southern Vietnam
Southern Vietnam is renowned for its abundant variety of fruits. Thus, people here usually select five common fruits for their Tet fruit platters: pomelo, coconut, papaya, mango, and pineapple. These fruits symbolize prosperity and abundance for the coming year. Additionally, the base of the platter often includes three fragrant pineapples, symbolizing stability and the desire for numerous descendants. Moreover, families may add watermelon with green rind and red flesh, symbolizing loyalty and purity, traits valued by people in Southern Vietnam.
People in Southern Vietnam also avoid certain fruits due to their pronunciation, which carries negative connotations. For instance:
- Banana: sounds similar to 'difficulty' in pronunciation, implying challenges and difficulties in endeavors.
- Pear, apple: In Vietnamese folklore, pears are associated with stumbling, indicating business difficulties or potential failures.
- Orange, tangerine: There's a saying in Vietnamese that goes, 'Tangerines act, oranges bear the consequences,' suggesting accountability and consequences for one's actions.
Here's the ultimate guide to arranging the Tet fruit platter. Remember these steps for the upcoming Tet days. Don't forget to follow Media Mart for the most useful updates.
