hưng bái
Definition
- Verb:
- To rise and then prostrate oneself in worship: "hưng bái" describes a specific, formal ritual movement of standing up from a kneeling or sitting position and then bowing deeply or prostrating oneself, typically performed in ancient ceremonial worship.
- To perform a ritual obeisance: It refers to the act of showing deep reverence and worship through this prescribed physical sequence during a rite.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Trong nghi lễ cổ, các tín đồ phải hưng bái trước bàn thờ. (In the ancient ritual, the devotees had to rise and prostrate themselves before the altar.)
- Động tác hưng bái thể hiện sự tôn kính tối cao. (The ritual obeisance movement expresses the highest reverence.)
Advanced Usage
- This term is archaic and is almost exclusively used in historical, literary, or highly formal religious contexts describing traditional Vietnamese or Sino-Vietnamese ceremonies. It is not used in everyday modern conversation.
- It often describes a repeated or cyclical action within a prolonged ceremony: (the rite consists of multiple sequences of rising and prostrating).
Variants and Related Words
- Bái (v): to bow, to worship. A more general and common root verb.
- Lễ bái (v/n): to worship / worship. A common compound meaning formal worship.
- Khấu bái (v): to kowtow; to kneel and touch the forehead to the ground. A specific type of deep prostration.
Synonyms
- Lạy: to bow deeply or prostrate in worship (a more common, general term for ritual bowing/prostration).
- Cúng bái: to worship and make offerings (emphasizes the offering aspect alongside reverence).
Notes on Meaning
- The core meaning is the complete ritual action sequence of standing up and then bowing down, not just one or the other. It implies a formal, prescribed procedure within a ceremonial context.
- It conveys a sense of solemnity, formality, and deep ceremonial respect, often directed towards ancestors, deities, or royalty in historical settings.