hương ẩm

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The Vietnamese word "hương ẩm" refers to a traditional concept that can be translated as "post-worship feast" or "offering meal," particularly in rural areas of Vietnam in the past. It is closely associated with cultural and religious practices where food is prepared and offered to ancestors or deities after a worship ceremony.

Basic Explanation

• Meaning: "Hương ẩm" specifically refers to the meal shared after a religious offering, intended to honor ancestors and involve family or community members in a communal gathering.

Usage Instructions

• When to Use: You might use "hương ẩm" when discussing traditional Vietnamese customs, particularly in the context of ancestor worship or during festivals. It is not commonly used in everyday conversation today but can be relevant in cultural discussions or when talking about rural traditions.

Example

• Sentence: "Trong các ngày lễ tết, gia đình thường chuẩn bị hương ẩm để dâng lên tổ tiên."
  • (Translation: "During the Tet holidays, families often prepare a post-worship feast to offer to their ancestors.")

Advanced Usage

• In discussions about Vietnamese culture, "hương ẩm" can be a focal point when talking about the importance of family ties, respect for ancestors, and the significance of food in Vietnamese traditions. It may be used in academic or cultural studies related to anthropology or sociology.

Word Variants

• "Hương" (fragrance, scent) and "ẩm" (moist, drink) can be used independently in different contexts:
  • Hương: Can refer to pleasant scents or aromas, often used in the context of perfumes or flowers.
  • Ẩm: Usually relates to moisture or drinks, often seen in words like "ẩm thực" (cuisine) or "ẩm ướt" (damp).

Different Meanings

• While "hương ẩm" specifically refers to the post-worship feast, the components "hương" and "ẩm" can have multiple meanings in different contexts. For instance:
  • "Hương" can mean "fragrance" or "aroma" in other settings, while "ẩm" can refer to moisture or beverages.

Synonyms

• There are no direct synonyms for "hương ẩm," but related terms might include:
  • "Bữa cỗ" (feast or banquet) - a more general term for a large meal.
  • "Mâm cỗ" (offering tray) - refers to the tray of food prepared for offerings.

Academic

1. (từ cũ; nghĩa cũ) Post-worship feast (ở nông thôn ngày xưa)