cờ tiệp
Definition
- Noun:
- A congratulatory flag or banner: A specific type of flag, often red or brightly colored, traditionally displayed by a family to announce and celebrate the news that their son or a family member has passed a royal examination or achieved a high academic honor (historically, in imperial Vietnam). It signifies success and brings prestige to the family and community.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Gia đình treo cờ tiệp trước cổng để báo tin con trai đỗ Trạng Nguyên. (The family hung a congratulatory flag in front of the gate to announce their son had passed the top imperial examination.)
- Tiếng trống, tiếng chiêng và lá cờ tiệp đỏ thắm làm cả làng nhộn nhịp. (The sound of drums, gongs, and the bright red banner of success made the whole village lively.)
Advanced Usage
- The concept of "cờ tiệp" is deeply rooted in the historical Confucian examination system of Vietnam. Today, the term can be used metaphorically or in historical contexts to refer to celebrating any major academic or competitive achievement, though the literal practice is now rare.
- It is part of a larger celebration called "báo tiệp" (to report success), which involved announcing the good news to the ancestors and the community.
Variants and Related Words
- Cờ báo tiệp: A fuller term meaning "flag announcing success," synonymous with "cờ tiệp."
- Báo tiệp (v): To report or announce a success, especially an academic one.
Synonyms
- Banner of success
- Congratulatory flag
- Victory banner (in an academic/historical context)
Cultural Note
- The "cờ tiệp" is a symbol of scholarly achievement and family pride in traditional Vietnamese culture. Its display was a public declaration of success in the imperial examinations, which were the primary path to high government office and social status. The color red is dominant, symbolizing luck, joy, and celebration.