The Vietnamese word "giỗ" is a noun that refers to a death anniversary or a memorial day for someone who has passed away. It is an important cultural practice in Vietnam, where people remember and honor their ancestors by commemorating the day of their death.
Usage Instructions
General Usage: "Giỗ" is used to describe the annual observance of the death of a family member or an important historical figure.
Context: It is common to gather with family, prepare special foods, and offer prayers or incense to honor the deceased.
Examples
Giỗ tổ: This term refers specifically to the death anniversary of ancestors. For example, "Hôm nay là ngày giỗ tổ của ông bà" means "Today is the anniversary of my grandparents’ death."
Giỗ đầu: This phrase refers to the first death anniversary of a person. For instance, "Chúng tôi sẽ tổ chức lễ giỗ đầu cho mẹ tôi" translates to "We will hold the first death anniversary ceremony for my mother."
Giỗ hết: This means the second death anniversary. An example sentence could be, "Năm nay là giỗ hết của ông tôi" meaning "This year is my grandfather's second death anniversary."
Advanced Usage
Giỗ tổ Hùng Vương: This is the most significant anniversary in Vietnam, held on the 10th of the third lunar month. It commemorates the legendary Hùng Kings, the founders of Vietnam. For example, "Giỗ tổ Hùng Vương là ngày lễ lớn của dân tộc Việt Nam" means "The Hùng Kings' anniversary is a major holiday for the Vietnamese people."
Giỗ trận Đống Đa: This commemorates the victory at Đống Đa on the 5th of the first lunar month, celebrating Emperor Quang Trung’s victory over the Qing forces in 1789. An example could be, "Ngày giỗ trận Đống Đa nhắc nhở chúng ta về lòng yêu nước" which means "The Đống Đa victory anniversary reminds us of our patriotism."
Different Meanings and Contexts
While "giỗ" primarily refers to death anniversaries, it can also denote moments of reflection or remembrance in a broader cultural context.
Synonyms