Trao tơ
Definition
- Noun (Historical/Cultural Term):
- The giving of silk threads: Refers to an ancient matchmaking or betrothal custom where a suitor chooses a bride by selecting one of several silk threads held by potential brides hidden behind a screen. The chosen thread leads to its holder, thus determining the match.
- To betroth / to engage: By extension, it means to arrange or finalize an engagement or marriage contract.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Truyện Kiều có câu: "Vầng trăng vằng vặc giữa trời, Đinh ninh hai miệng một lời song song. Tóc tơ căn vặn tấc lòng, Trăm năm tạc một chữ đồng đến xương." Ở đây, "tóc tơ" gợi nhớ đến nghi lễ trao tơ, biểu tượng của hôn ước. (In The Tale of Kieu, the phrase "tóc tơ" alludes to the "trao tơ" ritual, a symbol of betrothal.)
- Theo tích xưa, Quách Nguyên Chấn đã kết duyên vợ chồng qua lễ trao tơ. (According to the old story, Guo Yuanzhen married through the "trao tơ" ceremony.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is primarily used in a literary, historical, or figurative context to evoke traditional marriage customs. It is not used in modern, everyday speech for discussing engagements.
Variants and Related Words
- Hồng ti (n): Literally "red thread"; specifically refers to the red silk thread chosen in the original story, often synonymous with fate or marriage destiny.
- Chàng rút phải sợi hồng ti. (The young man drew the red thread of fate.)
Synonyms
- Betrothal: The act of formally engaging to marry.
- Matchmaking: The arrangement of a marriage.
Related Idioms/Phrases
- Sợi tơ hồng / Chuyện tơ hồng: The red thread of fate; a phrase denoting predestined marriage or romantic fate, derived from the same legend.
- Ông Tơ bà Nguyệt se sợi tơ hồng. (The celestial matchmakers spin the red thread of fate.)