hầu lễ
Definition
Noun:
- Acolyte / Altar server: A person, often a child or young adult, who assists the priest during religious ceremonies, especially in Christian liturgical services. Their duties may include carrying candles, holding the book, or preparing the altar.
Verb Phrase:
- To serve at the altar / To assist in a religious ceremony: The act of performing the duties of an acolyte during a mass or other liturgical rite.
Usage Examples
Noun:
- Cậu bé làm hầu lễ ở nhà thờ. (The boy serves as an altar server at the church.)
- Các hầu lễ đang chuẩn bị cho thánh lễ. (The acolytes are preparing for the mass.)
Verb Phrase:
- Anh ấy hầu lễ mỗi sáng Chủ nhật. (He serves at the altar every Sunday morning.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is primarily used in the context of Catholic and some other Christian traditions in Vietnam. It denotes a specific liturgical role with formal responsibilities.
Variants and Related Words
- Thầy giúp lễ: Another term for an altar server or acolyte, sometimes implying a slightly more formal or adult role.
- Giúp lễ: The act of assisting in the liturgy; to serve at mass.
Synonyms
- Acolyte: A person assisting the celebrant in a religious service.
- Altar server: A person, often a youth, who assists the priest during mass.
- Mass server: Another term for an altar server.
Notes
- "Hầu lễ" is a compound term formed from "hầu" (to serve, attend upon) and "lễ" (ceremony, rite, mass). It is a specific term for a religious role and is not used in secular contexts.