The five-fruit tray is a traditional symbol during the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. It is not only a delicious dish but also has a deep cultural and spiritual meaning. It consists of five fruits with five different colors, symbolizing the wish to have five blessings. There is no standard for the fruits on the tray, Vietnamese use the fruit in their region. However, some regions use dragon fruit in the tray. This post discusses the five-fruit tray and the role and meaning of dragon fruit.
1. Meaning of the five-fruit tray on Lunar New Year
Five elements: The five-fruit tray usually consists of 5 different types of fruit. It symbolizes the 5 elements of Metal – Wood – Water – Fire – Earth in the five elements theory. Therefore, it represents the balance and harmony of the universe.
Five blessings: The 5 types of fruit also symbolize 5 blessings: Wealth, Luxury, Longevity, Health and Peace. These are good wishes that every family strives for.
Respect for ancestors: The five-fruit plate is placed on the altar to show descendants’ respect for their grandparents and ancestors.
Luck, fortune: The fruits on the five-fruit tray often have bright, vibrant colors. They symbolize luck, fortune and good things to come in the new year.
2. Popular fruits of the five-fruit tray
Normally, the fruits to be placed on the tray may vary based on the region in Vietnam. Here are some familiar fruits such as:
- Banana: The slightly curved shape embraces other fruits and carries the meaning of care and happy reunion. In addition, a bunch of bananas also represent fertility, full of descendants.
- Apple: It has a red color, symbolizing luck, and fortune.
- Grapefruit: Its round shape and juice symbolize fullness and prosperity.
- Pear: The sweet flavor symbolizes a fulfilling life.
- Tangerine/Kumquat: symbolizes great auspiciousness.
- Fingered citron: Symbolizes protection, and peace.
- Mango: In Vietnam, people often incorrectly call it “spend”, meaning enough to spend, not lacking.
- Coconut: People also call it as “moderate”, meaning just enough, not needy in life.
- Custard apple: It shows the wish everything goes as expected.
And of course, dragon fruit is indispensable.
3. The role and meaning of Dragon Fruit in the five-fruit tray
Dragon fruit has the shape of a dragon, symbolizing majesty, power and luck. The red color of dragon fruit also means luck and fortune. The image of the dragon symbolizes career advancement. Dragon fruit is also considered a symbol of prosperity and wealth. In short, dragon fruit is not only a delicious fruit but also has many good meanings in the Tet fruit tray. Choosing dragon fruit to display on the altar shows the homeowner’s wish for a new year full of luck, fortune and success.
The five-fruit tray reflects the Vietnamese culture. A complete tray of Five Fruits tray will show the homeowner’s earnest desire for harmony, wealth, and peace. It also shows the deep cultural and spiritual meaning of Vietnam.
About us
Havigo Company Limited operates in the field of agricultural export. We wish to bring high-quality Vietnamese agricultural products such as spices, rice, beans, and fruits… to the world. We supply you with high-quality products at the best price. If you find interested in importing fresh Vietnamese Dragon Fruits, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for better support via WhatsApp: +84 979 58 58 56.
