Tam Phủ

Definition
  1. Proper Noun:
    • The Three Palaces / The Three Realms: A collective term in Vietnamese folk religion and Đạo Mẫu (Mother Goddess worship) referring to the three divine domains or palaces governing the universe: the Palace of Heaven (Thiên Phủ), the Palace of Earth and the Underworld (Địa Phủ), and the Palace of Water and the Oceans (Thủy Phủ).
    • The Pantheon of the Three Realms: Refers to the pantheon of deities and spirits residing in and presiding over these three realms.
Usage Examples
  • Proper Noun:
    • Tín ngưỡng thờ Mẫu Tam Phủ có nguồn gốc lâu đời. (The worship of the Mother Goddess of the Three Palaces has ancient origins.)
    • Bà đồng thực hành nghi lễ hầu đồng để kết nối với các thánh trong Tam Phủ. (The medium performs a ritual to connect with the saints in the Three Realms.)
Advanced Usage

  • "Đạo Mẫu Tam Phủ": The religion or practice of worshipping the Mother Goddesses of the Three Palaces.

    • Đạo Mẫu Tam Phủ được UNESCO công nhận là Di sản Văn hóa Phi vật thể. (The Mother Goddess Religion of the Three Palaces was recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.)

  • "Thánh Tam Phủ": The saints or divine spirits belonging to the Three Palaces pantheon.

    • Các Thánh Tam Phủ thường giáng đồng trong các buổi hầu. (The Saints of the Three Realms often descend into mediums during rituals.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Tứ Phủ (Proper Noun): The Four Palaces, an expansion of the concept that includes the Palace of Mountains and Forests (Nhạc Phủ).

    • Tứ Phủ bao gồm Thiên Phủ, Địa Phủ, Thủy Phủ và Nhạc Phủ. (The Four Palaces include the Palace of Heaven, Earth, Water, and Mountains.)

  • Thiên Phủ (Proper Noun): The Celestial Palace, governing the sky, weather, and heavenly bodies.

  • Địa Phủ (Proper Noun): The Earth Palace, governing the land, mountains, and the underworld.
  • Thủy Phủ (Proper Noun): The Water Palace, governing rivers, lakes, and oceans.
Synonyms
  • The Three Realms: A direct conceptual translation.
  • The Three Divine Domains: Emphasizing their sacred and governing nature.
  • The Triple Pantheon: Referring to the collective deities.
Related Concepts

  • Hầu đồng / Lên đồng (Noun/Verb): A ritual of spirit possession central to the practice, where mediums channel the deities of the Tam Phủ and Tứ Phủ.

    • Hầu đồng là nghi thức trung tâm của tín ngưỡng Tam Phủ. (Spirit mediumship is the central ritual of the Three Palaces belief.)

  • Thanh đồng (Noun): A male medium in this tradition.

  • Đồng cô (Noun): A female medium in this tradition.