cất đám
Definition
- Verb:
- To begin a funeral procession: The primary meaning refers to the specific act of starting the formal movement of a funeral procession, typically when the coffin is lifted and carried from the home or funeral site to the vehicle or the burial/cremation location.
- To commence the funeral rites: More broadly, it can signify the commencement of the main ceremonial funeral activities.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Gia đình đã cất đám lúc 7 giờ sáng. (The family began the funeral procession at 7 a.m.)
- Sau khi mọi người đến đông đủ, họ sẽ cất đám. (After everyone has gathered, they will commence the funeral rites.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase is specific to Vietnamese funeral customs. It marks a key, solemn moment in the ceremony. The action is often accompanied by specific rituals, music, and the organized movement of mourners.
Variants and Related Words
- Đám tang / Đám ma (n): The funeral ceremony itself.
- Đưa tang (v): To accompany the funeral procession; to attend a funeral.
- Hạ huyệt (v): To lower the coffin into the grave (the subsequent key ritual after 'cất đám').
Synonyms
- Bắt đầu đám tang: To start the funeral.
- Khởi hành đám tang: For the funeral procession to depart.
Notes on Meaning
- The term is culturally specific and carries a formal, solemn connotation. It is not used in casual contexts.
- It focuses on the action of starting the procession. The broader sequence is: wake/vigil -> cất đám (procession begins) -> đưa tang (procession moves) -> hạ huyệt (burial) or hỏa táng (cremation).