Buzz
1. Reality: Odd-numbered banana clusters are more expensive than even-numbered ones.
In Vietnamese tradition, a bunch of bananas with curved fruits gathered together symbolizes the unity and togetherness of family members.
Additionally, a bunch of bananas facing upwards, resembling a hand that gathers success and fortune, is believed to offer protection and blessings throughout the year, ensuring the homeowner is safeguarded, peaceful, and prosperous. For this reason, a traditional five-fruit tray during Tet, particularly in northern regions, typically includes bananas.
When purchasing bananas for offerings, many people notice that odd-numbered bunches tend to be priced higher than even-numbered ones. However, not everyone knows the reason why.
Not all bananas are chosen for ancestor offerings. The most favored bananas are those that are evenly sized, beautiful, and green.
Moreover, bunches of bananas with an odd number of fruits are the most commonly selected for worship. During Tet, bunches with 15, 17, 19, 21 fruits and beyond can cost over 200,000 VND at markets. The more fruits and odd numbers in the bunch, the higher the price. Why is that so?
2. Explanation from a Feng Shui perspective
3. A guide to choosing the perfect bananas for Tet offerings
- For offerings on the altar of gods, deities, and ancestors during Tet, it's recommended to choose the type of bananas known as "chuoi tieu" because they are typically large and can hold other fruits well. In contrast, "chuoi tay" bananas are smaller and are more suitable for the altar of the God of Wealth.
- To select a bunch of bananas that is both beautiful and long-lasting for Tet, opt for ripe "chuoi tieu" bananas with evenly sized fruits that are still green and have a consistent curve. Only then can the bunch properly "embrace" the other fruits in the five-fruit tray.
- Avoid choosing bananas that spread out too widely, as the gaps between the fruits may be too wide, making the arrangement less attractive and difficult to position kumquat around them.
- To prevent buying bananas that have been artificially ripened with chemicals, inspect their appearance. Typically, such bananas have bright yellow skins but still have green stems and crowns. Natural ripened bananas will have a darker yellow color with brown or black spots... while artificially ripened ones will not show this pattern.
Additionally, artificially ripened bananas will not feel soft when gently squeezed and will lack the sweet fragrance that natural bananas have when eaten. This is because they have been forced to ripen prematurely using chemicals.
- Avoid selecting bunches of bananas that are already turning yellow or nearly ripe, as the heat from the incense during Tet will cause them to ripen quickly and fall off. On the other hand, fully mature, green "chuoi tieu" bananas will ripen gradually after Tet, taking about a week.
Furthermore, the five-fruit tray is meant to include five different types of fruits, each representing a color and corresponding to one of the five elements: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth. The green color of bananas represents the Wood element and will lose its symbolic meaning if they turn yellow.
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