TL;DR: People in the Mekong Delta avoid bananas during Tet because the word 'chuoi' sounds like 'chui' (to plunge), symbolizing bad luck. Instead, they choose a set of five fruits meaning 'Cầu Vừa Đủ Xài' (soursop, coconut, papaya, mango, fig), and recently add a 'du' fruit to pray for abundance.
Why do Southerners avoid bananas on Tet?
During the Lunar New Year (Tet), the five-fruit tray is an indispensable cultural feature on the ancestral altar of every Vietnamese family. However, the concept of this tray varies significantly between regions. While Northerners often prioritize a green banana bunch as the base, people in the Mekong Delta (Southern Vietnam) specifically avoid this fruit during the new year.
This difference stems from wordplay, a liberal way of thinking, and the simple aspirations of the riverine people. For them, the fruit tray is not only an offering but also a new year's wish conveyed through the very names of each fruit.
Table comparing the types of fruit in the five-fruit tray of the Mekong Delta and the meaning of their names according to the article.
| Type of fruit | Altered reading or other name | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Mãng cầu | Cau | To wish for, to aspire to |
| Dừa | Vừa | Fullness, not being greedy or fussy |
| Đu đủ | Dư | Enough, warm and well-fed, not lacking |
| Xoài | Xài | To spend, to spend without worry |
| Sung | Sung túc | Prosperity, happiness, fullness |
| Chuối | Chúi | To sink down, to fall behind, unlucky |
| Trái dư | Surplus, abundance |
What does "chui" mean on a Tet fruit tray?
According to folk beliefs in the Mekong Delta, the word "chuoi" (banana) is pronounced similarly to "chui" (to plunge), implying a downward spiral and bad luck. People fear that displaying or eating bananas during Tet will bring misfortune for the whole year, causing their lives and businesses to "plunge" downward.
This taboo is so deeply ingrained that even on regular days, many locals refuse to accept a gift of bananas for fear of attracting bad luck. Consequently, during Tet, bananas in the Mekong Delta become very cheap and unsold, a stark contrast to the North where green bananas fetch high prices.
What is on the "Cầu Vừa Đủ Xài" five-fruit tray?
Instead of bananas, Southerners have built their own set of standards for the fruit tray, expressed through the familiar saying "Cầu Vừa Đủ Xài". This is a play on words based on the names of the chosen fruits:
- Ma cau (Soursop): symbolizes "cau" (to wish/pray). The custard apple variety is preferred for its large size and fresh green color.
- Dua (Coconut): homophone for "vua" (just enough), representing contentment and modesty. Red or brown coconuts are favored for their beautiful color and small size.
- Du du (Papaya): carries the meaning of "du" (enough), signifying abundance.
- Xoai (Mango): colloquially called "xai" (to spend), implying worry-free spending.
- Sung (Fig): symbolizes "sung tuc" (prosperity) and happiness.
Together, these five fruits form a simple, honest wish: "Cau vua du xai" (Wishing for just enough to spend). The people of the Mekong Delta do not harbor extravagant dreams; they simply hope for a year of sufficiency, family harmony, and a prosperous life.
What does the "du" fruit mean for abundance?
In addition to the traditional five fruits, many Southern families now also display a "du" fruit on their tray. The du plant belongs to the nightshade family, with a small stem of 0.5 to 1 meter tall, covered in sharp thorns. When ripe, the fruit turns a beautiful orange-yellow with five characteristic ridges at the top.
Locals believe the name "du" signifies abundance and surplus. Displaying this fruit during the new year is a way to pray for plentiful wealth, prosperity, and luck. It is also valued for its hard outer skin, which resists bruising and allows for long display. Notably, the du fruit is inedible and used purely for decoration, highlighting the region's unique Tet aesthetic.
How have Tet fruit tray customs changed?
Today, due to cultural exchange, the fruit tray in many Southern families no longer strictly follows the old formula. Many now include apples, grapes, watermelon, or citrus based on the homeowner's preference. However, the taboo against bananas during Tet remains quite resilient across generations.
This shows that despite changes in arrangement, the core spirit of the Mekong Delta's fruit tray remains a wish for simple, good things closely tied to daily life. Each fruit is carefully chosen not only for its beauty but also for the meaning of its name, reflecting the honest, practical, yet poetic character of the people of the Mekong Delta.
