lân

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The Vietnamese word "lân" has two primary meanings, serving as both a noun and a verb.

Noun Usage

1. Phosphorus Unicorn (Kylin): In this context, "lân" refers to a mythical creature often depicted in traditional Vietnamese culture. It is similar to a unicorn and is commonly associated with good fortune and the protection of the land.

   • Example: "Tổ chức múa lân cho trẻ em xem." - This means "To stage a unicorn dance for an audience of children." The unicorn dance (múa lân) is a traditional performance that involves colorful costumes and lively music, symbolizing joy and celebration.

2. Dragon Dance: The term is also used to describe the traditional dragon dance, which is a significant part of Vietnamese festivals and celebrations, particularly during Tết (Lunar New Year) and the Mid-Autumn Festival.

   • Usage in Context: The dragon dance is not just for entertainment; it carries cultural significance and is performed on various special occasions.

Verb Usage

1. To Encroach: The verb form of "lân" conveys the idea of encroaching or gradually taking advantage of a situation.

   • Example: "Được đằng chân lân đằng đầu." - This phrase translates to "Give him an inch, he'll take a mile," illustrating how someone may take advantage of a small concession.

2. In Context: It can also imply a sense of taking turns, such as in "cắt lân nhau trực nhật," meaning "to be on duty by turns."

Advanced Usage

In advanced contexts, "lân" can be used metaphorically to describe situations where someone's boundaries are being tested or where cultural practices are evolving. For example, discussions about the modern adaptations of the dragon dance can involve the term "lân" to indicate how the tradition is being reshaped while maintaining its roots.

Word Variants

• Múa lân: This term specifically refers to the act of performing the dragon or unicorn dance.
• Lân nho: This variant can refer to smaller or more playful versions of the dance, often performed by children.

Different Meanings

• Lân can refer to both the dance and the mythical creature, highlighting its dual significance in Vietnamese culture. The context in which it is used clearly indicates whether it is being referred to as a noun (the creature or dance) or a verb (to encroach).

Synonyms

• For the noun meaning relating to the dance, you might use "múa rồng" (dragon dance) as a synonym in some contexts, although "lân" specifically refers to the unicorn aspect of the performance.
• For the verb aspect (to encroach), synonyms could include "xâm phạm" (to infringe) or "chiếm" (to occupy).

Academic

verb

1. To encroach
   • được đằng chân lân đằng đầu
     give him an inch, he'll take a mile
2. To turn
   • cắt lân nhau trực nhật
     to be on duty by turns (in turn)

noun

1. Phosphorus
2. Unicorn, kylin
3. Paper unicornhead (used in a traditional dance)
   • tổ chức múa lân cho trẻ em xem
     to stage a unicorn dance for an audience of children Today, the dragon dance is no longer considered an entertainment reserved for children. Originating from China, it has become part of Vietnamese culture. It is performed not only during Tết or the Mid-Autumn Festival, but also on special occasions such as ground-breaking or inauguration ceremonies. It can be performed on the day when recruits leave their native towns for military units, or on other occasions. If you think that anyone can perform a Dragon Dance, you are mistaken. As an art, Dragon Dance has its principles and rules. A dragon dance usually lasts from 20 to 25 minutes. It consists of five episodes: In the first episode, the dragon appears on the stage; in the second, it exits; in the third, it enters again and rolls over the ground, then it kneels before the audience, and finally bows to the donors. For each episode, there is a different way of beating the drum. Accompanied by the cymbals, the drum sounds like that of a military march. And an expert can distinguish all the five basic feelings of humans (joy, anger, love, hatred and fear) depicted by the beatings of the drum. The drummer not only must be versed in his art, but also knows how to assess the situation. For example, when he sees that the owner of the building hangs the prize on the balcony of his house, the drummer must use the one-three rhythm (cac, bum, bum bum) As the dragon hears the drum change its rhythm, it grows more excited. But when the drum beating is slow, the dragon knows that it is time to wait and relax.A team of dragon dancers consists of thirty persons, as they have to take turns to play the main part. They have different occupations, but when the need arises, they gather at once at the rallying place. In the past, this was an occasion for amusement, not for money.