The Five-Fruit Tray – Discover the Rich Traditions of Vietnamese People in Tết

The Lunar New Year (Tết Nguyên Đán) is a time of celebration and reflection for Vietnamese families. It is a period of honoring ancestors, seeking blessings for the upcoming year, and reuniting with loved ones. One of the most important customs during this festival is the arrangement of the mâm ngũ quả, or five-fruit tray. This offering, placed on the family altar, carries deep cultural and spiritual significance, representing the wishes for prosperity, health, and harmony. Although the tradition of the five-fruit tray is celebrated nationwide, the layout and fruits chosen can vary depending on the region. In this blog, we will explore the origins, meaning, and regional differences of the five-fruit tray, with a particular focus on the Northern, Central, and Southern regions of Vietnam.

Origin and Meaning of the Five-Fruit Tray

the Five-Fruit Tray

The five-fruit tray is a vital tradition in Vietnamese culture, especially during the Lunar New Year and other important holidays. It is an offering to ancestors, seeking their blessings for the family’s prosperity and well-being. The number five holds significant symbolic meaning in ancient Vietnamese beliefs. It is closely associated with the five elements and is considered a “yang” number. In Vietnamese culture, odd numbers, particularly five, are seen as symbols of growth and development. The number five is also linked to the word “sinh” (birth), representing new beginnings, vitality, and the ongoing cycle of life.

In addition, the number five is tied to the concept of “Ngũ Phúc” or the five blessings that Vietnamese families hope to welcome into their homes. These blessings include: Phú (wealth), Quý (high position), Thọ (long life), Khang (health), and Ninh (peace), as explained by Associate Professor Dr. Nguyễn Huy Thiệu, former deputy director of the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.

Thus, the five-fruit tray is not only a spiritual offering but also a symbolic gesture to invite these five blessings into the home. The fruits selected for the tray are carefully chosen for their colors, which align with the five elements of traditional Vietnamese cosmology: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. The thoughtful arrangement of these fruits is meant to attract prosperity, health, and peace, ensuring that the family receives these auspicious blessings throughout the year.

Regional Variations of the Five-Fruit Tray

Although the purpose of the five-fruit tray remains the same across Vietnam, its composition and arrangement vary significantly between regions. The Northern, Central, and Southern regions each have their own unique traditions when it comes to selecting fruits for the offering tray. Let’s take a look at how these traditions differ.

The Five-Fruit Tray in Northern Vietnam

The Five-Fruit Tray in Northern Vietnam
The Five-Fruit Tray in Northern Vietnam.
(Source: collected)

In Northern Vietnam, the five-fruit tray is meticulously arranged based on the Five Elements theory, which is a fundamental concept in Eastern philosophy. This theory links colors to the five natural elements: Kim (metal) – Mộc (wood) – Thủy (water) – Hỏa (fire) – Thổ (earth). As such, the Northern five-fruit tray must include fruits that correspond to the following colors:

  1. Grapefruit or Buddha’s hand fruit (Yellow) – Represents the Earth element.
  2. Green Banana (Green) – Corresponds to the Wood element.
  3. Chili (Red) – Represents the Fire element.
  4. Peach or Pear (White) – Represents the Metal element.
  5. Grapes (Black) – Corresponds to the Water element.

The Northern fruit tray is generally minimalist in style, with an emphasis on balance and order. The arrangement is carefully crafted to reflect harmony between the elements, and the fruits are chosen for both their colors and symbolic significance. The purpose of the tray is to invite blessings from ancestors and ensure a prosperous year ahead.

The Five-Fruit Tray in Central Vietnam

The Five-Fruit Tray in Central Vietnam
The Five-Fruit Tray in Central Vietnam.
(Source: collected)

Unlike the Northern and Southern regions, the people in Central Vietnam approach the five-fruit tray with a more relaxed attitude. Due to the region’s harsh climatic conditions, which often include floods, droughts, and arid land, Central Vietnamese families tend to focus less on strict symbolism and more on the appearance and freshness of the fruits. They prefer to choose fruits that are visually appealing, fresh, and easy to find in the region.

The Five-Fruit Tray in Southern Vietnam

The Five-Fruit Tray in Southern Vietnam
The Five-Fruit Tray in Southern Vietnam.
(Source: collected)

In Southern Vietnam, the five-fruit tray plays a vibrant and essential role in Lunar New Year celebrations, reflecting the region’s lively and optimistic spirit. Southern families prepare their trays with five main fruits:

  1. Custard apple (Mãng cầu)
  2. Fig (Sung)
  3. Coconut (Dừa)
  4. Papaya (Đu đủ)
  5. Mango (Xoài)

When these fruits are arranged together, they symbolize the message “Cầu sung vừa đủ xài” (Pray for enough prosperity)—a wish for balance and contentment, where there is enough wealth and good fortune, but not excess.

In addition to the five main fruits, it is common for Southern families to place three pineapples (Dứa) on the tray. Pineapples are included to symbolize steadfastness, stability, and unshakable strength. This addition represents the hope that the family will remain undisturbed, and that peace and harmony will prevail throughout the year.

Learn More About Vietnamese Language and Culture with VLS

Vietnamese class at VLS district 1.
Vietnamese class at VLS district 1.

If you’re interested in deepening your understanding of Vietnamese language and culture, VLS offers a range of courses designed to help you achieve your goals. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to enhance your proficiency, VLS provides engaging and effective lessons tailored to your needs.

  1. Dynamic Vietnamese – This comprehensive course covers all four language skills—speaking, listening, reading, and writing—tailored to your level. It is designed to help you learn Vietnamese in a balanced and practical way, ensuring that you can communicate effectively in various real-life situations. Whether you’re just starting or aiming for advanced fluency, this course adapts to your personal goals. Learn more about Dynamic Vietnamese here.
  2. Survival Vietnamese – Focused on pronunciation, common conversation patterns, and essential vocabulary, this course is perfect for those who need to navigate everyday situations in Vietnam. From ordering food to asking for directions, Survival Vietnamese equips you with the practical language skills you’ll need to feel confident in daily interactions. Learn more about Survival Vietnamese here.
  3. Culture & Mentality – In this course, you’ll explore the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam. Delve into the country’s history, traditions, social norms, and artistic expressions through lessons designed to give you a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture. Understanding the cultural context is key to mastering the language, and this course is the perfect complement to your language learning journey. Learn more about Culture & Mentality here.

Start your learning journey with a FREE Vietnamese trial lesson and experience the immersive teaching approach at VLS. Book your free trial lesson here.

Conclusion

The five-fruit tray is a rich and meaningful tradition that unites the Vietnamese people in their shared beliefs, while also reflecting the distinct characteristics of each region. Whether it is the careful attention to the Five Elements theory in the North, the relaxed yet fresh approach in the Central region, or the vibrant and abundant offerings in the South, the five-fruit tray is a powerful symbol of prosperity, health, and spiritual well-being.

By placing the tray on the family altar, Vietnamese families honor their ancestors, seek their blessings, and express their hopes for a prosperous year ahead. The tradition of the five-fruit tray not only connects generations but also reflects the deep cultural and spiritual values that continue to shape Vietnamese society today.

24/01/2025

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