Top 12 Best Essays on the Tet Fruit Tray - Mytour.vn

During Tet, whether in the city or the countryside, rich or poor, most families display a fruit tray either on the ancestor's altar or the guest table, carefully arranged to convey the family's hopes and wishes for the new year.

Though the origins of this custom are unclear, it likely stems from Vietnam’s year-round abundance of fruits, especially during spring when they bloom. Fruit symbolizes nature's gifts and spring’s blessings. Offering these fruits to honor ancestors at the start of the year is a meaningful tradition.

On the 30th day of the Lunar year, families arrange a fruit tray along with other offerings on the altar. Typically, the tray is placed on a wooden pedestal, called 'mâm bồng', though a large plate can also be used, positioned on a stack of 'bánh chưng' (square sticky rice cakes) to create an elevated, respectful display. Traditionally, fruit represents the fruits of one's labor over the past year.

Our ancestors chose five specific types of fruits to offer during the New Year’s Eve, symbolizing the hard work and sacrifice of laborers, offered to heaven and the gods at this sacred time. This image has deeply resonated with the Vietnamese people for generations.

Though the exact selection of fruits may vary by region due to local climate and available produce, the central idea remains the same: the fruit tray is a symbol of respect for ancestors and a wish for prosperity and good fortune. In the North, common fruits include grapefruit, peach, tangerine, banana, and persimmon, sometimes substituting grapefruit with Buddha’s hand or pomegranate.

In the South, the traditional fruit tray often features custard apple, fig, coconut, papaya, and mango, which are thought to symbolize the wishes 'cầu – sung – vừa – đủ – xài' (hope, abundance, enough, and usage). A typical tray in the South displays two bunches of green bananas at the base, supporting a variety of colorful fruits above. The tray should be vibrant and colorful to create a harmonious, festive look.

The centerpiece often includes a large, yellow grapefruit, shining against the green banana leaves. Surrounding it are red fruits, with gaps filled with tangerines and green apples. A touch of green leaves near the fruit stems adds the final decorative flourish.

The Tet fruit tray not only adds warmth and beauty to the holiday atmosphere but also reflects the philosophical, spiritual, and aesthetic significance of the season. Studying the Tet fruit tray offers insight into the origins, history, and rich traditions that remind us of our ancestors.

The Lunar New Year (Tết Nguyên Đán) is the most significant festival in Vietnam. As the new spring season arrives, families across the country eagerly prepare to welcome the upcoming year. In addition to traditional foods such as bánh chưng, bánh giầy, sweets, and flowers like peach and apricot blossoms, the five-fruit tray is an essential element placed on the ancestor’s altar during Tết.

The five-fruit tray is not only a decorative display but also carries profound cultural and spiritual significance. As spring arrives, plants bloom and fruits ripen, symbolizing new beginnings. These fruits, nurtured by farmers' care, are seen as a gift from nature, embodying the blessings of earth and sky.

The fruits are selected for their beauty and symbolic meanings, representing offerings to ancestors, a gesture of respect, and a prayer for peace and prosperity in the new year. This tradition has been cherished for generations and continues to be preserved in modern times.

The term “five-fruit tray” refers to the five different fruits chosen for their representation of the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. Additionally, the tray symbolizes the Vietnamese wish for five blessings: happiness, wealth, longevity, health, and peace. Regardless of the interpretation, the five-fruit tray remains a meaningful symbol in Tet celebrations.

The tray is traditionally placed at the center of the altar on the highest level, often displayed on a large ceramic or shiny brass plate. The fruits chosen for the tray vary depending on regional customs.

In the South, people typically include coconut, mango, papaya, fig, and custard apple, symbolizing a wish for modest prosperity. In the North, the tray often features grapefruit, tangerines, bananas, and persimmons, representing warmth and harmony. In Central Vietnam, common fruits include bananas, guava, grapes, mangoes, and tangerines.

Families may also add more fruits based on personal preferences and availability. Despite variations, the five-fruit tray conveys a heartfelt offering to ancestors and a prayer for a peaceful and prosperous year ahead.

The bananas are usually placed in the center of the tray, symbolizing balance and harmony. The fruits are carefully arranged, with each fruit chosen for its color and shape to complement the others. The conical arrangement of the tray represents prosperity and success, symbolizing a desire to reach new heights in achievements and glory.

When preparing the five-fruit tray, great attention is paid to selecting each fruit. They must be firm and smooth, often picked with their stems intact, adding elegance to the presentation. The fruits should neither be overripe nor too underdeveloped. In addition to the five-fruit tray, other offerings such as bánh chưng, tea, sweets, wine, and chrysanthemums are carefully arranged. Whether the family is wealthy or not, the Tet altar remains a place of abundance and warmth.

The five-fruit tray is a cherished cultural symbol in Vietnamese traditions. Generations to come will continue to honor this practice, preparing the tray as a tribute to ancestors during the Tet season.

"Tet is here, with the five-fruit tray, beside the green bánh chưng. Bananas, custard apples, mangoes, plums, dragon fruit, grapefruit, tangerines, pears—carefully selected and arranged into one tray."

According to ancient materialist philosophy, all matter is composed of five fundamental elements: metal (kim), wood (mộc), water (thủy), fire (hỏa), and earth (thổ) — known as the Five Elements or Ngũ Hành. This concept has deeply influenced the cultural traditions of many Eastern societies. In Vietnam, the custom of placing a five-fruit tray on the ancestor's altar during Tet serves as a reflection of this belief system.

The five-fruit tray consists of five types of fruit that, according to the principles of feng shui and numerology, represent the five elements that form the universe: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. However, in folk tradition, the term 'five-fruit' also refers to the five grains taught by Emperor Shen Nong in ancient times: rice, sticky rice, wheat, sesame, and beans. These were the first crops taught to humans to grow, as recorded in ancient Vietnamese texts.

On the five-fruit tray, instead of these grains, we typically see five fruits with symbolic meanings, each representing a prosperous life. These fruits include custard apple (na), coconut (dừa), papaya (đu đủ), mango (xoài), and pineapple (dứa). The names are selected for their phonetic rhythm, symbolizing the simple but meaningful wish: 'May we have enough to live a good and fragrant life.'

The five-fruit tray symbolizes the hardworking spirit of the past year, coupled with the wish for a peaceful, prosperous life. It is an essential cultural practice that reflects the deep respect and gratitude of the Vietnamese people towards their ancestors. It also embodies the aspiration for a rich and fulfilling life, whether in urban or rural areas.

To create a beautiful five-fruit tray, any selection of fruits can be used, as long as there is a diversity of colors. According to feng shui, the five elements must be represented, symbolizing the balance of nature. The green of grapefruit, watermelon, coconut, and custard apple, mixed with the red of plums, tangerines, and figs, and the yellow of mangoes and papayas, creates a vibrant and beautiful display for the altar during Tet.

A bunch of bananas or plantains is often used as a base for the tray. Behind it, larger fruits such as grapefruit, coconut, watermelon, or pineapple are placed as a foundation. Smaller fruits like tangerines, oranges, and plums are arranged around them to complete the composition. It’s important to arrange them tightly to ensure a stable and cohesive appearance.

In addition to the five-fruit tray, other Tet offerings like bánh chưng, bánh tét, tea, wine, cakes, sweets, and flowers like red lilies or yellow chrysanthemums are also displayed. The presence of a branch of apricot blossoms or a red peach blossom adds the final touch to the Tet altar.

The five-fruit tray brings life and warmth to the Tet celebrations, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere. It carries the philosophy, spirituality, and cultural traditions of the Vietnamese people, as well as educating future generations about their heritage and the importance of remembering their ancestors. As such, the five-fruit tray is an indispensable cultural symbol during the Tet festival and in every Vietnamese home.

Every Tet celebration is incomplete without the iconic sticky rice cakes, red couplets, and meaningful New Year wishes. Among these, the five-fruit tray is an essential offering on the ancestral altar in every Vietnamese home.

Much like the sticky rice cakes and Lang Liêu's rice cakes, the five-fruit tray holds great significance in Vietnamese culture. Every year, no matter where in Vietnam, families prepare a five-fruit tray to honor their ancestors, reflecting both spiritual and cultural meanings.

But what exactly does the five-fruit tray symbolize? It is a representation of the sacred principle of “remembering the source of the water we drink.” The five fruits symbolize the five elements — Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth — which, according to Confucian philosophy, make up the universe. Each region in Vietnam arranges the tray in its own distinct way, often adding a touch of creativity.

The five-fruit tray is also a symbol of the fruits of labor, particularly for farmers who offer up the produce of their year-long hard work. These fruits are carefully chosen to represent good fortune, prosperity, and abundance. Typically, the tray contains five fruits of different colors.

The number five was chosen because, historically, the five elements represent blessings that everyone hopes to achieve in the New Year: Prosperity, Wealth, Longevity, Health, and Peace. The diverse colors of the fruits symbolize the different directions from which fortune may come.

The banana, symbolizing the East, is green; the grapefruit represents the Center with its yellow color; the persimmon, representing the South, is red; the pear represents the West with its white color; and a dark-colored fruit symbolizes the North. In the North, the five-fruit tray is believed to represent the five blessings: wealth, honor, long life, health, and peace.

According to the Five Elements theory, Metal is white, Wood is green, Water is black, Fire is red, and Earth is yellow. These colors are reflected in the Northern tray, which usually contains fruits such as green bananas, grapefruit, oranges, tangerines, persimmons, chili peppers, and longans, all chosen for their suitability to the Northern climate.

Fruits such as Buddha's Hand (Phật Thủ) — symbolizing family protection — and grapefruit, which represents prosperity, are commonly used. Bananas represent family unity, with their green color symbolizing Wood. Figs and breadfruit, symbolizing abundance, are gray to represent Earth. Tangerines and persimmons represent good fortune, with red representing Fire. Pears and melons symbolize success and advancement, with their white color representing Water.

Additional fruits like chili peppers, sapodilla, and papayas may be added to enhance the tray's visual appeal. In Central Vietnam, where the land is less fertile, the five-fruit tray is less formal in its arrangement, emphasizing the sincerity of the offering. The Central region blends Northern and Southern traditions, often including bananas, custard apples, figs, coconuts, papayas, and mangoes.

In the South, the five-fruit tray is not always arranged according to the Five Elements but still adheres to some superstitions. Bananas are avoided as their name sounds like “chuối,” implying misfortune, and tangerines are also avoided due to the saying “tangerines make cam endure,” suggesting difficulty. Fruits like custard apples, coconuts, papayas, mangoes, and figs are more commonly found in the South.

The Southern five-fruit tray is simple, modest, and often whimsical. The arrangement of fruits is sometimes read as “Cầu – Sung – Vừa – Đủ – Xài,” a playful twist on the names of the fruits. Alongside traditional arrangements, many people now opt for decorative and feng shui-inspired designs, adding vibrancy and uniqueness to the tray.

Although the fruits in the five-fruit trays differ across the North, Central, and South regions, they all carry the same wishes for prosperity, peace, and happiness. The five-fruit tray is a sacred tradition, deeply rooted in the Vietnamese heritage. Despite the ongoing industrialization and modernization of society, these traditions continue to be cherished and passed down through generations.

During the Lunar New Year, the five-fruit tray is a common sight on the ancestral altars in Vietnamese homes.

This traditional five-fruit tray, which appears in nearly every household during Tet, not only enhances the festive atmosphere but also carries profound spiritual meaning, reflecting the hopes and wishes of the family. However, not everyone fully understands its significance.

In the South, the tray typically includes fruits like custard apple, coconut, papaya, mango, and fig, following the saying “cầu vừa đủ xài sung” (wishing for enough and fulfillment). The base of the tray often contains three pineapples, symbolizing stability. Bananas are never placed on the Southern five-fruit tray because the word “chuối” sounds similar to “chúi,” which implies difficulty or misfortune. Oranges are also avoided because of the saying “quýt làm cam chịu” (tangerines make cam endure, symbolizing submission to hardship). In contrast, in the North, almost all types of fruits are allowed on the tray, with no restrictions, not even chili peppers, as long as the tray is visually appealing. Bananas are placed at the base to support the other fruits, with grapefruit at the center, surrounded by tangerines and persimmons, arranged in a visually balanced manner.

According to popular belief, fruits represent the rewards of a year’s labor. The five fruits selected for the Tet offering symbolize the products of human effort, sweat, and tears, presented to the heavens and deities in the sacred moment of the New Year to honor life and the universe. This belief has been deeply ingrained in the Vietnamese consciousness for generations.

Although there is no strict rule about which fruits to use, the selection varies by region, depending on the local climate, produce, and cultural beliefs. Regardless of the specific fruits, the purpose of the five-fruit tray remains consistent: to offer respect to the ancestors, express filial piety, and wish for good fortune in the family. Each fruit carries its own meaning, color, and significance.

The five-fruit tray is a cherished tradition in Vietnamese culture. Whether now or in the future, this custom of preparing and offering the tray to the ancestral altar during Tet will never be forgotten by future generations.

“Fatty pork, pickled onions, red couplets,

A pole, firecrackers, and green rice cakes.”

Every year, when Tet arrives, families begin their preparations for the new year. And without a doubt, the items listed above are essential. They symbolize the core values of traditional Vietnamese New Year celebrations, reminding us of the wisdom passed down by our ancestors. However, these items are not the only things. On every family altar, a five-fruit tray for Tet is a must-have.

The arrangement of fruits varies depending on regional beliefs, climate, and available seasonal produce. Common choices include bananas, grapefruits, Buddha's hand, watermelons, oranges, tangerines, coconuts, custard apples, star apples, apples, and more. In the South, following the philosophy of “just enough for comfort,” five fruits are preferred: custard apple, coconut, papaya, mango, and fig. The larger, heavier fruits like papaya, coconut, and mango are placed at the base first, forming the foundation, with smaller fruits added to create a tower-like shape. Notably, the Southern tray always includes red-flesh watermelon with green rind, symbolizing loyalty and purity. In contrast, people in the North traditionally use bananas, grapefruits, peaches, persimmons, and tangerines. The traditional setup places a banana bunch at the base, supporting the other fruits, with a grapefruit in the middle, surrounded by persimmons, tangerines, and peaches.

While in the North, almost any fruit can be placed on the altar, including even spicy chili peppers, as long as the tray looks appealing, the South has stricter customs. The Southern five-fruit tray never includes bananas, as the word “chuối” (banana) sounds like “chúi,” which means difficulty. Oranges are also avoided due to the saying “quýt làm cam chịu” (tangerines make cam endure), symbolizing submission to hardship.

The Southern five-fruit tray excludes bananas. In Hue, the tray is a blend of both Northern and Southern traditions. Like the North, Hue always includes a banana bunch at the bottom, with the bananas cradling the other fruits. However, unlike the North, people in Hue prefer round, thick bananas (chuối mật) instead of the slender ones from the North. Additionally, Hue's tray is influenced by Southern customs, including fruits like custard apple, fig, coconut, papaya, and mango. The Hue five-fruit tray is a fusion of both Northern and Southern cultures.

The meanings of the various fruits are as follows:

• Banana, Buddha’s hand: Symbolizing protection.
• Grapefruit, watermelon: Plump and refreshing, promising a sweet and prosperous new year.
• Persimmons, tangerines: Bright, vibrant colors representing success and achievement.
• Pear (or Chinese pear): Sweet and smooth, symbolizing smooth and easy progress.
• Pomegranate: Many seeds, symbolizing offspring and prosperity.
• Peach: Representing growth and advancement.
• Plum blossom: Associated with marriage and happiness.
• Apple (large, red): Representing wealth and prosperity.
• Dragon fruit: Symbolizing good fortune and the arrival of good omens.
• Grapefruit, watermelon: Plump and refreshing, promising a sweet, prosperous new year.
• Egg-shaped fruits (like a peach): Divine blessings from the heavens.
• Coconut: Its sound is similar to “vừa,” meaning sufficiency and completeness.
• Fig: Symbolizing abundance in health or wealth.
• Papaya: Signifying fullness and prosperity.
• Mango: Its name sounds like “xài,” symbolizing enough for all needs.

In recent years, with rising living standards and growing cultural and economic exchanges, the five-fruit tray has evolved from five fruits to six, seven, or even ten, featuring a wide variety of colorful fruits. Despite these changes, the five-fruit tray remains a symbol of preserving the unique cultural heritage of the Vietnamese people. Regardless of where they are, Vietnamese people continue to celebrate this tradition during Tet.

Beyond its spiritual significance, the five-fruit tray adds brightness and warmth to the Tet atmosphere and the ancestral altar. It embodies high philosophical values and reflects the aesthetic sense of the Vietnamese people. Understanding the five-fruit tray is also an exploration of the rich history and traditions of the Vietnamese people. Despite regional differences, the five-fruit tray remains a symbol of unity, representing the spirit and beauty of all regions of our country. Even Vietnamese expatriates, no matter where they are, continue to honor this tradition and prepare a beautiful five-fruit tray for Tet.

Hello, everyone! Can you feel the Tet atmosphere outside? Tet always brings us a sense of joy and excitement. People eagerly prepare for the holiday by shopping, buying new clothes, and decorating their homes to welcome the New Year. Families gather to make rice cakes, prepare Tet food, and stay up late to celebrate the New Year's Eve. The joy even spreads to the surroundings, filling the air with festive cheer. Do you know what's missing on the Tet altar? It's the five-fruit tray placed on the ancestral altar in every home.

The five-fruit tray is a beautiful traditional cultural practice. As the name suggests, each tray typically contains five types of fruit (though some families might include more). The choice of fruits depends on personal beliefs and regional customs. Based on the five elements theory, fruits such as green bananas, grapefruit, Buddha's hand, peaches, star apples, tangerines, papayas, and eggs are selected. The banana bunch is placed at the bottom to form an arc, with a ripe golden grapefruit or Buddha’s hand placed in the center. The spaces between the bananas are filled with tangerines, and the remaining fruits are arranged around the grapefruit or Buddha’s hand to complete the five-fruit setup or an odd number of fruits. The tray should be arranged in a way that the colors are bright, vibrant, and balanced, symbolizing the harmony of the five elements, heaven and earth, and a peaceful, prosperous new year.

During Tet, on the ancestral altar, the five-fruit tray, along with the fragrant rice cakes and traditional dishes, blends into the lively atmosphere of the new year. It also mingles with the sounds of firecrackers and the incense smoke. Displaying the five-fruit tray is more than just an aesthetic tradition. It carries profound significance, offering the best wishes for every family. Each fruit represents a different wish: the banana bunch symbolizes family unity and protection, Buddha’s hand represents divine protection against storms, grapefruit symbolizes health and well-being, tangerines and oranges signify success, peaches represent progress, apples symbolize wealth, figs stand for abundance, and papayas represent prosperity. The number of fruits is often odd, symbolizing growth and new opportunities. Every year, the five-fruit tray on the Tet altar carries a special meaning for each family.

While many of us may not fully understand the deep meaning behind the five-fruit tray, this beautiful tradition is gradually fading away with time. Let's try to preserve these cultural practices of our ancestors!

Every Tet, as spring arrives, every Vietnamese home prepares a five-fruit tray for ancestor worship. The five fruits represent the five elements—Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth—which were believed by Confucianism to have created the universe.

The choice of fruits varies depending on the region, customs, and natural characteristics, but each selection has a specific significance. According to Eastern philosophy, the five-fruit tray should consist of five different colored fruits, each symbolizing a different element.

With its vibrant colors, unique shapes, and deep meanings, the five-fruit tray enhances the sacred and lively atmosphere of Tet. Additionally, the tray symbolizes the fruits of hard labor and the rewards of farmers who, after a year of diligent work, offer their harvest to ancestors during the spring season. The five-fruit tray thus carries a universal, profound meaning, reflecting filial piety and the hope for a prosperous year ahead. Each fruit placed on the tray carries its own symbolism.

In the North, the typical five fruits are bananas, grapefruit, peaches, persimmons, and tangerines. The traditional presentation places the banana bunch at the bottom, supporting the other fruits. A beautiful tray of fruits showcases vibrant colors. At the center, the dark green banana bunch holds a plump, golden grapefruit or Buddha's hand. Around the edges, ripe red fruits are placed, while the gaps are filled with golden tangerines, green apples, or bright red chili peppers, completing the decoration.

In Central Vietnam, where the land is often poor and the Tet season falls during the harsh winter, local fruits are rare. People in this region are less concerned with the symbolic meaning of the fruits and focus more on offering what they have to their ancestors with sincerity. Due to the influence of both Northern and Southern cultures, the Central region's five-fruit tray typically includes a variety of fruits like bananas, custard apples, figs, coconuts, papayas, and mangoes, adding richness and diversity.

In contrast, people in the Southern region are more meticulous in their choice of fruits for the five-fruit tray. Because the word for banana in Southern dialect sounds like the word for “danger,” bananas are never included. Similarly, due to the saying “The tangerine does the cam’s duty,” the Southern people avoid using bright oranges, unlike the North.

The Southern five-fruit tray traditionally includes custard apples, coconuts, papayas, mangoes, and figs (following the saying: “Cầu sung vừa đủ xài” – The wish for abundance), with three pineapples at the base symbolizing stability. Notably, the tray always includes a pair of watermelon with red flesh and green rind, symbolizing loyalty and purity, core values in Southern culture.

Today, with the abundance and variety of fruits, the traditional five-fruit tray may expand to ten or more fruits. However, the name “five-fruit tray” remains deeply ingrained in the Vietnamese collective consciousness and spirituality. The five-fruit tray brings vibrancy and warmth to the Tet celebration and the ancestral altar. It vividly reflects the Tet spirit, religious beliefs, and aesthetic values. Studying the five-fruit tray is an exploration of the origins, history, and enduring traditions of the Vietnamese people. Despite regional differences, the five-fruit tray remains a sacred symbol of cultural unity and the Vietnamese people’s hopes for peace, prosperity, and fulfillment.

The five-fruit tray is an essential part of the Vietnamese Lunar New Year celebration. Its purpose is twofold: first, to honor ancestors; second, to wish for a prosperous, peaceful, and healthy new year. While the tray remains the same across the country, each region—North, Central, and South—has different fruits and arrangements. Each fruit on the tray carries its own meaning, and families must understand these meanings to convey their wishes for the coming year.

The five-fruit tray consists of five distinct fruits, each representing a different wish or blessing for the family, reflected through their names and colors. Additionally, the number five represents the aspiration to attain the Five Blessings in Vietnamese culture: Happiness, Wealth, Longevity, Health, and Peace.

Hello everyone, today on behalf of the people of Vietnam, I would like to introduce to you a unique tradition from my homeland. As you all know, during the Lunar New Year season, we often prepare red couplets, square sticky rice cakes, and apricot flowers. But to truly express our deep respect for our ancestors and our wishes for a prosperous year ahead, one cannot deny the importance of the five-fruit tray. So, please listen carefully, as this will be very interesting.

According to some historical records, in ancient agricultural societies, people used the concept of 'five fruits' (meaning five different types of fruit) to predict the fortunes of the harvest. Over time, this evolved into a tradition where the five-fruit tray symbolized prayers for a bountiful harvest, eventually being presented to ancestors during the Tết holiday.

This custom gradually spread across the country, becoming an ingrained tradition for the Vietnamese people. Now, you might wonder why it's 'five fruits'—why not six fruits or any other number? The answer lies in the meaning of the word 'fruit.' Here, 'fruit' symbolizes abundance, with its structure—a seed representing the stars and the flesh surrounding it symbolizing the universe—reflecting themes of fertility, immortality, and the regeneration of life.

These fruits represent the culmination of a year’s hard work—the effort, sweat, and tears of the people. Farmers select the best time to offer them to their ancestors. Furthermore, the number five symbolizes ongoing growth and prosperity, representing life itself. Today, to express even more respect, the number five is not as strictly adhered to, and many people, especially in the North, still prefer an odd number of fruits for their five-fruit tray.

In contrast, people in the Central and Southern regions are less concerned about whether the number of fruits is odd or even, but they still follow traditional guidelines. For instance, only fruits are placed on the tray, not other foods, and only the types of fruit are counted, not the quantity (e.g., a banana bunch counts as one, regardless of how many bananas are there). And even if the number of fruits exceeds five, it’s still called the 'five-fruit tray.'

As you know, our country, shaped like the letter 'S,' consists of many different regions, each with its unique natural conditions. This leads to various ways of arranging the five-fruit tray with different meanings. In the North, the five fruits are chosen based on ancient beliefs, representing the five elements: Metal (white), Wood (green), Water (black), Fire (red), and Earth (yellow).

This arrangement symbolizes the five fruits being brought from all corners of the country to be offered to the ancestors. The North’s five-fruit tray also reflects the people’s wish for 'five blessings': Prosperity, Wealth, Longevity, Health, and Peace. Quite meaningful, isn’t it?

In Central Vietnam, where the land is arid and fruits are scarce, people don’t focus much on formalities and are simple in their offerings. Being a cultural crossroads of the North and South, their interpretation of the five-fruit tray is diverse and rich.

Finally, in the South, the five-fruit tray includes fruits like soursop, coconut, papaya, mango, and figs. Sometimes, a pineapple (also known as 'phởm') is added for its symbolism of stability, and watermelon, with its green skin and red flesh, is placed separately on the altar to represent loyalty. Interestingly, in the South, the names of fruits are chosen for their homophones—'mãng cầu' (soursop) sounds like 'cầu' (wish), 'đủ' (papaya) sounds like 'enough,' 'dừa' (coconut) sounds like 'just enough,' 'xoài' (mango) sounds like 'to use,' and 'sung' (fig) means 'wealthy.' Together, they form the phrase 'wish enough to use wealth.'

Moreover, people in the South are very particular about the fruits they place on the tray. For example, they avoid fruits with names that have negative connotations like bananas (which sounds like 'chúi nhủi,' meaning failure), pears (which means 'to drag along'), apples (which sound like 'bomb'), pomegranates (which are reminiscent of grenades), tangerines, and even durian, a popular fruit in the South, due to its association with sadness and misfortune.

Sometimes, Vietnamese families are still uncertain about how to select the fruits for the five-fruit tray during Tết, despite this being a familiar tradition. Many wonder if the colors of the fruits must align with the Five Elements, or if they can add other fruits to express their personal wishes.

If you also wish to display a five-fruit tray, I would like to mention that according to custom, the Five Elements have no spiritual significance on the altar, so you are free to choose fruits that best represent your wishes. When selecting fruits, my people are very meticulous.

At the market, they choose fruits that are firm, undamaged, and still attached to their stems to ensure the tray looks full and vibrant. For watermelons, they gently tap the skin—if it sounds deep and hollow, it means the fruit is ripe. For tangerines, they choose those with a dip at the bottom, which are usually sweeter. As for grapefruits, a fresh one should feel heavy and firm. Generally, the five-fruit tray is prepared on the 30th day of Tết, either in the morning or afternoon, as an offering to the ancestors. However, the fruit-buying is usually done much earlier, sometimes as early as the 27th or 28th of Tết.

If you’re not careful when buying fruits, they might ripen too much before the 30th of Tết and become overripe or shriveled. Therefore, you should select fruits that are still green or almost ripe to keep them fresh for longer. Especially bananas should be green enough to support the weight of the other fruits placed in them (people often place smaller fruits inside the banana bunch as a symbol of protection and warmth). Other fruits like persimmons, mangoes, or mangosteens should be picked just before they ripen to avoid spoilage. Some families may also buy Buddha’s hand fruits, which resemble the shape of the Buddha’s hand and are believed to bring good fortune. Finally, when we bring the fruits home, we don’t wash them to prevent them from spoiling too quickly.

Besides its spiritual significance, the five-fruit tray adds brightness and joy to the Tết atmosphere and the ancestral altar. It reflects the philosophical and cultural values of the Vietnamese people, as well as our aesthetic sense. By learning about the five-fruit tray, you’re also learning about the history and traditions of my country. While the customs may vary from region to region, the five-fruit tray always brings together the essence of fruits and plants from all over our land.

Even when living far from home, Vietnamese people overseas still remember this cultural practice and ensure they prepare a beautiful five-fruit tray to celebrate Tết. I hope that through this discussion, you now have a better understanding of the five-fruit tray—a long-standing cultural symbol of my country. I also hope that if you find this tradition interesting, you’ll consider displaying a five-fruit tray for Tết in your own country. Goodbye for now, and I look forward to another opportunity to introduce you to my beloved homeland.

During the Lunar New Year, every Vietnamese household typically places a fruit tray, known as the 'Ngũ Quả', on the ancestral altar. This fruit tray not only brightens the festive atmosphere but also holds deep symbolic meaning, representing the family's wishes for prosperity and good fortune. However, not everyone fully understands its significance.

According to ancient materialist philosophy, all matter is made up of five primary elements: metal (Kim), wood (Mộc), water (Thủy), fire (Hỏa), and earth (Thổ), collectively known as the Five Elements or 'Ngũ Hành'. This belief has deeply influenced the cultural practices of many Eastern nations. The custom of displaying a five-fruit tray on the Tet altar is one such expression of this philosophy. The tray typically contains five different types of fruits.

Depending on regional customs and local beliefs, people choose specific fruits that carry their own unique meanings. If we look at the Five Elements through the lens of Eastern philosophy, the fruit tray should feature five fruits with five different colors. The first fruit is the green banana, symbolizing spring (Wood element), with the bunch resembling an open hand, ready to receive the pure essence of the season; it also represents protection and nurturing.

Next, there is the yellow Buddha's Hand fruit, representing the Earth element, which is placed in the center of the banana bunch. The Buddha's Hand has ten finger-like segments, earning it the nickname 'Hand of Buddha'. It is offered to the altar as a symbol of blessings from the divine. If Buddha's Hand is unavailable, a ripe yellow pomelo can be used as a substitute, carrying a similar meaning.

Following that, three other fruits are chosen based on their colors: red (representing summer – Fire element) such as chili peppers, oranges, tangerines, or ripe plums; white (representing autumn – Metal element) like rose apples or peaches; and black (representing winter – Water element) such as plums or star apples. Despite the variety, the fruit tray carries a universal message: an offering to ancestors to express filial piety and hope for a prosperous year ahead. Each fruit has its own distinctive flavor and color, which also conveys specific meanings.

In the South, the fruit tray often features custard apples, coconuts, papayas, mangoes, and figs (following the saying 'cầu vừa đủ xài sung'), along with three pineapples, symbolizing strength and stability. Southern families avoid including bananas, as the word for banana, 'chuối', sounds similar to the word for failure, 'chúi'.

Oranges are also omitted from the Southern fruit tray because of the saying 'quýt làm cam chịu' (when oranges accept their fate). In contrast, the Northern fruit tray is much more flexible, and nearly any fruit can be included, including spicy chili peppers, as long as the arrangement is aesthetically pleasing. The banana bunch is placed at the bottom, supporting the rest of the fruits, with pomelo placed at the center, surrounded by tangerines and other fruits.

According to traditional medicine and herbalists, the fruits on the tray are also valued for their healing properties. For example, pomelo leaves are used to treat colds, and pomelo peels can alleviate bloating and help with urinary retention. The flesh of the pomelo is refreshing and beneficial for diabetics, while the fragrant pomelo flowers are used to infuse tea and other foods.

Ripe papayas are nourishing, especially good for children and the elderly or those recovering from illness, while green papayas contain papain, which helps tenderize meat. Papaya roots are used to stop bleeding, and papaya flowers cooked with rock sugar can treat children's hoarseness.

Bananas are rich in nutrients and are particularly beneficial for the elderly and children with constipation. Bananas combined with egg yolk powder are used to treat malnutrition in children. Persimmons are used to treat hiccups, sore throats, and high blood pressure, while star apples aid digestion and their peel can treat diarrhea.

Today, as fruit varieties are plentiful, delicious, and nutritious, the fruit tray is becoming more diverse. To show the highest respect to ancestors, people no longer strictly adhere to the 'five fruits' rule but may include eight, nine, or even ten fruits. Despite the increase in number, it is still referred to as a 'Ngũ Quả' (Five Fruit Tray), and the term 'tray' is still used, even if the fruits are arranged in a dish.

This is a cultural product that has been shaped over time, reflecting the concept of a perfect five-part harmony. Displaying the Ngũ Quả during the sacred New Year days represents the preservation of our cultural identity and is a unique tradition of the Vietnamese people.

Thus, the Ngũ Quả is a heartfelt offering from every family, expressing gratitude to the heavens, ancestors, and a wish for abundance and harmony, just as the five colors of nature in the Five Elements symbolize balance. The fruit tray not only brightens the Tet festivities but also fills the household with warmth, radiance, and a harmonious aesthetic, embodying philosophical, spiritual, and artistic significance, while also carrying the human aspiration for prosperity.

Every year, during the Tet holiday, each family places a 'Ngũ Quả' fruit tray on their ancestral altar.

In the past, fruit trays were arranged on a 'mâm bồng' (decorative wooden tray), which is a lacquered dish, about 30 cm in diameter, with golden accents. The tray has a tall, rounded pedestal about 15 cm high, with a circular base and a design of a dragon and phoenix. The fruit tray would either rest directly on this mâm bồng or be placed on a ceramic or porcelain dish underneath it.

Later, fruit trays were more commonly placed on a round or oval dish, or sometimes on a small tray. Primarily, the Ngũ Quả tray is an offering to the heavens, Buddha, and ancestors, and secondly, it adds beauty and elegance to the Tet celebration. It enhances the festive atmosphere, bringing warmth to the household and evoking a sense of abundance, prosperity, and the blooming of flowers and fruits.

In the minds of the Vietnamese, the fruit tray is first and foremost an offering to the Mother Goddess (Mẫu Thượng Ngàn). The tray consists of five types of fruit. The number five symbolizes balance, harmony, and good fortune: five elements (Ngũ Hành), five colors (Ngũ Sắc), five tastes (Ngũ Vị), five senses (Ngũ Giác), five organs (Ngũ Quan), and five blessings (Ngũ Phúc). The fruits on the tray are all seeds-bearing and unique in shape, representing rebirth and immortality.

The tray typically includes: the Buddha's Hand fruit, symbolizing the divine hand of Buddha, representing focus and spiritual control; bananas, which represent the fragile, transient nature of life; pomelos, shaped like the earth, symbolizing completeness; persimmons, representing brilliance and spiritual balance; and oranges, symbolizing abundance and prosperity.

To enhance the visual appeal, the fruits are often decorated with small twigs or branches, usually with one or two leaves. Over time, other locally available fruits, such as apple branches, fig branches, starfruit, guava, tangerines, and watermelons, are also added to the tray. This diversity makes the fruit tray more colorful and full, creating a richer display.

Depending on the region, the fruit tray may also include additional fruits commonly found in local areas. For example, the southern fruit tray is larger than the northern one and often includes custard apples, coconuts, papayas, figs, pineapples, and mangoes. Each fruit has its own unique shape and color.

All of these fruits together form a vibrant and cheerful tableau. They are fresh, round, and full, bringing joy to everyone. For the elderly, they also evoke nostalgic memories of childhood. Amid the fragrant incense of Tet, the ripe persimmons, bright oranges, and smooth green pomelos of the fruit tray quietly and solemnly find their place in the hearts of the people.

The Ngũ Quả fruit tray leaves a peaceful and happy impression. It is part of the familiar image of family life, deeply rooted in our subconscious. The fruit tray symbolizes the life tree, the tree of goodness, and the tree of beauty, embodying the spirit of the homeland.