cử ai
Definition
- Verb (archaic):
- To begin the ritual wailing or lamentation for the deceased: This term specifically refers to the formal commencement of crying or keening by mourners during a traditional funeral ceremony. It denotes a structured, often collective, expression of grief that initiates the formal mourning process.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Khi quan tài được hạ huyệt, người con trưởng sẽ cử ai. (When the coffin was lowered into the grave, the eldest child would begin the ritual wailing.)
- Theo phong tục xưa, nghi thức cử ai rất quan trọng. (According to old customs, the ritual of beginning the lamentation was very important.)
Advanced Usage
- This term is primarily found in historical or anthropological texts describing traditional Vietnamese funeral rites. Its usage in modern, everyday language is extremely rare.
Variants and Related Words
- Khóc (v): to cry, to weep. This is the general, modern term for crying.
- Than khóc (v): to wail, to lament. A more descriptive term for expressing grief through crying.
- Tang lễ (n): funeral, funeral rites.
Synonyms
- To commence wailing: To start the formal act of lamentation.
- To begin the keening: To initiate the traditional, often melodic, cry of mourning.
Notes on Usage
- Register: This is an archaic term. It is not used in contemporary speech or writing outside of specific discussions about historical customs.
- Context: It is exclusively used in the context of formal funeral ceremonies and rituals.