Definition

1. Noun:
   • Joss-sticks and flowers: Refers specifically to offerings of incense and fresh flowers used in worship rituals, particularly for deities, ancestors, or spirits. This term combines "hương" (incense, joss-stick) and "hoa" (flower) to denote a traditional pair of ritual items.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Người dân chuẩn bị hương hoa để đi lễ chùa. (The people prepare joss-sticks and flowers to go to the pagoda.)
  • Bàn thờ gia tiên lúc nào cũng có hương hoa. (The ancestral altar always has joss-sticks and flowers.)

Advanced Usage

• "dâng hương hoa": to offer joss-sticks and flowers (in a respectful, ceremonial manner).

  • Mọi người thành kính dâng hương hoa lên bàn thờ. (Everyone respectfully offers joss-sticks and flowers upon the altar.)

• "khói hương hoa": the smoke from incense and the scent of flowers (evoking the atmosphere of worship).

  • Không gian đầy khói hương hoa trong ngày giỗ. (The space is filled with the smoke of incense and scent of flowers on the death anniversary.)

Variants and Related Words

• Hương, nhang (n): Incense, joss-stick. (A component of "hương hoa").
• Hoa, bông (n): Flower, blossom. (A component of "hương hoa").
• Lễ vật (n): Offering, ritual gift. (A broader term that can include "hương hoa").

Synonyms

• Đồ cúng: Offerings, items for worship. (A more general term).
• Vật phẩm thờ cúng: Ritual worship items. (A formal term).

Related Phrases

• Hương đăng trà quả: Incense, lamps, tea, and fruit. (A more elaborate set of traditional offerings, often used in Buddhist contexts).
• Hương hoa quả phẩm: Joss-sticks, flowers, fruits, and food items. (A common phrase listing various offering types).

Related Idioms

• "Hương hoa phụng sự": (Literally: to serve with joss-sticks and flowers). This phrase describes the act of devoutly making offerings and tending to a shrine or altar.
  • Bà cụ ngày ngày hương hoa phụng sự nơi cửa Phật. (The old lady daily serves with joss-sticks and flowers at the Buddhist temple.)

1. Joss-sticks and flowers (offerings to deities when worshipping them)
   • Bày hương hoa lên bàn thờ
     To arrange joss-sticks and flowers on the altar