bách linh
Definition
- Noun:
- The spirits; the wandering souls: "bách linh" is an archaic term referring to the multitude of spirits or wandering souls, often in a collective sense, as believed in certain spiritual or superstitious contexts.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Ngôi đền này thờ bách linh. (This temple venerates the wandering spirits.)
- Theo truyền thuyết, khu rừng này là nơi trú ngụ của bách linh. (According to legend, this forest is the dwelling place of the wandering souls.)
Advanced Usage
- "thờ bách linh": to worship the wandering spirits; the cult of wandering souls.
- Tục thờ bách linh có nguồn gốc từ những tín ngưỡng dân gian cổ xưa. (The practice of worshipping wandering spirits originates from ancient folk beliefs.)
Variants and Related Words
- Linh hồn (n): soul, spirit (a more common, general term for a single soul or spirit).
- Vong linh (n): departed soul, ghost (often refers to the soul of a deceased person).
- Cô hồn (n): lonely, wandering ghost (specifically a soul without descendants to make offerings).
Synonyms
- Các vong linh: the departed souls.
- Các linh hồn: the spirits.
Notes on Meaning
- Archaic and Collective: The word "bách linh" is primarily used in historical, literary, or religious contexts. It is a collective noun (bách = hundred, implying many) and is not typically used to refer to a single spirit.
- Cultural Context: Its usage is deeply tied to traditional Vietnamese spiritual beliefs concerning souls without a resting place or universal spirits.