Prepare for the offering Chinese Ghost Festival Urgent check on 7 auspicious fruits with positive meanings that enhance luck and wealth flow, along with a list of forbidden fruits that should not be placed on the offering table, to ensure maximum good fortune for the family.
Chinese Ghost Festival (Falls on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month in the Chinese calendar) is one of the important festivals where Thai people of Chinese descent pay respect to their deceased ancestors. According to historical context and longstanding customs, preparing offerings—especially "fruits"—is crucial because each fruit carries different auspicious meanings. Experts in Chinese astrology and feng shui state that choosing the right fruits enhances blessings, while the wrong choices may bring misfortune to the family.
Thairath Online has compiled 7 auspicious fruits that should be on the offering table, along with warnings about forbidden fruits, to make this year's Chinese Ghost Festival offerings perfect.
When selecting fruits for ancestor offerings, it is customary to choose brightly colored fruits with names that sound like auspicious words in Chinese, as follows:
Orange is considered the top auspicious fruit. In Teochew Chinese, it is called "Tai Gik," meaning good luck, wealth, and happiness. The orange's golden yellow color symbolizes prosperity and riches. Offering oranges is like inviting good fortune into the family.
In Chinese, it sounds like "Ping An," which means peace, safety, and freedom from illness. Offering red apples is a blessing for family health and harmony.
Bananas grow in clusters, symbolizing growth and many descendants. Also, the golden yellow color represents attracting luck and success with ease.
Grapes signify prosperity and increasing wealth. Red grapes are recommended for good fortune, symbolizing ongoing success and growing profits.
In Teochew Chinese, pineapple is called "Ang Lai," meaning to beckon fortune. It symbolizes attracting wealth and carefulness, like the pineapple’s all-seeing eyes.
Persimmon represents stability, firmness, and smoothly overcoming obstacles. It helps enhance safety and protection.
Pomegranate has many seeds, making it a symbol of a warm family, unity, and having many descendants to continue the family legacy.
Although most fruits are beneficial, according to beliefs, some fruits should not be placed on the offering table for ancestors and wandering spirits, including:
Choosing auspicious fruits for Chinese Ghost Festival offerings is not only about tradition but also reflects the love and gratitude descendants have for their ancestors. Thoughtful arrangement with meaningful selections helps build morale and bring blessings to everyone in the family.