Definition

1. Verb:
   • To make a thanksgiving to ancestors, to kowtow to the memories of ancestors: A formal act of paying deep respect and gratitude to one's ancestors, often involving ritual bows or prostrations, traditionally performed on significant occasions or after achieving a major success.
   • To give a kowtow, to give a salute: To perform a formal gesture of deep respect, such as a bow with joined hands or a prostration, directed towards a revered figure, master, or at the beginning of a formal activity.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Sau khi đỗ trạng nguyên, ông về quê bái tổ. (After passing the top imperial examination, he returned to his hometown to kowtow to his ancestors.)
  • Trước khi biểu diễn, các võ sinh đều bái tổ sư phụ. (Before performing, all the martial arts students bowed to their master.)
  • Lễ bái tổ được cử hành long trọng tại đền thờ. (The ancestor thanksgiving ceremony was solemnly held at the temple.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is deeply rooted in Confucian and traditional Vietnamese culture, emphasizing filial piety and respect for lineage. It is a key ritual in contexts like clan gatherings, success celebrations (e.g., exam results, career achievements), and traditional arts (e.g., martial arts, theater) where one honors founders and predecessors.

Variants and Related Words

• Lễ bái tổ (n): Ancestor worship ceremony; a formal ritual for honoring ancestors.

  • Lễ bái tổ của dòng họ được tổ chức hàng năm. (The clan's ancestor worship ceremony is held annually.)

• Bái lạy (v): To prostrate oneself in worship or deep respect.

  • Người dân bái lạy trước bàn thờ. (The people prostrated themselves before the altar.)

Synonyms

• Venerate ancestors: To regard with great respect and reverence.
• Pay homage to: To show respect or honor publicly.
• Kowtow: To kneel and touch the ground with the forehead in worship or submission (a direct equivalent for the physical act).

Related Idioms

• Công thành danh toại bái tổ vinh quy: A phrase describing the tradition where one who achieves great success and fame returns home gloriously to worship ancestors.
  • Câu chuyện kể về hành trình công thành danh toại bái tổ vinh quy của ông ấy. (The story tells of his journey of achieving success and returning home in glory to worship his ancestors.)

verb

1. To make a thanksgiving to ancestors, to kowtow to the memories of ancestors
2. To give a kowtow, to give a salute