hoàng phi
Definition
- Noun:
- Horizontal inscribed board: A traditional decorative board, typically made of wood and often lacquered or gilded, inscribed with large characters. It is hung horizontally in temples, pagodas, community houses, or old family homes.
- Royal plaque: Specifically, a board inscribed with characters, often bestowed by a king or emperor. It signifies honor, merit, or a royal decree and is hung in places of worship or at the homes of revered individuals.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Trong đình làng treo một tấm hoàng phi cổ. (In the village communal house hangs an ancient horizontal inscribed board.)
- Dòng họ đó được vua ban cho một tấm hoàng phi. (That clan was granted a royal plaque by the king.)
Advanced Usage
- The characters on a hoàng phi often form a phrase expressing virtues (e.g., "Lưu Phúc" - Preserving Blessings), praise, or moral principles. It is a significant cultural and spiritual artifact.
Variants and Related Words
- Biển hoành (n): Synonym for hoàng phi; a horizontal board.
- Đại tự (n): Literally "big characters"; often refers to the large calligraphy on a hoàng phi or to a similar type of inscribed board.
Synonyms
- Horizontal plaque: A flat, decorated board hung horizontally.
- Honorific board: A board conferred as an honor.
- Lacquer board: Describes a common material for such items.
Related Cultural Concepts
- Câu đối (n): Parallel sentences. These are vertical scrolls or panels often hung on either side of a hoàng phi to form a complete decorative set in traditional spaces.