Indonesia
Pomelo, the Symbol of Prosperity
Fruits are temple offerings. Do you know why, Superkids? What about oranges? Do you see one of those in this Year of Wooden Horse’s menu? Are they fresh? Chinese are fond of fruits, especially the big and pretty ones. They choose the sweet and fresh ones over the wrinkly and bitter.
The fresh fruit offering in Chinese New Year represents a new beginning and life. The sweet is the manifestation of the sweet expectation. In Chinese tradition, some fruits never failed to decorate Chinese New Year dining table are pomelos, limes, bananas, pineapples and water melons. Actually these are also common fruits daily or as the gift for harvest festival or any other special celebration.
Oranges are prayers for good fate. It might be the reason it’s the common fruit in Chinese New Year. Pomelo oranges or Citrus maxima (or Citrus grandis), are the symbol of family integrity. The big and round shape symbolizing the hope for families to stay big, whole and close. Most people also believe them to bring prosperity and sustainability status.
In the chinese society they are known as ‘Jik’ which means save. It’s common to have them for decoration rather than to eat them. It’s believe that it’s crucial to have at least one pomelo at home, but a pair will be better since good things always come in pair. Pomelo will be placed in the living room or served with some red paper attached on the table near the worship until Cap Go Meh, which is 15 days after Chinese New Year. The guest will spot it and say, “Tah Jik!” which means ‘congratulate a lot’, or in other words the guest is praying for the salvation for the host.
Gong xi fa chai!
HAFIDA INDRAWATI
PHOTOS: PHOTOS
