lình
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- Skewer: A thin, pointed metal rod, historically and ritually used by spirit mediums to pierce their cheeks during certain ceremonial practices.
- Iron spike / Iron awl: A pointed iron tool used for piercing, specifically in a religious or spiritual context.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Ông đồng dùng cây lình để xiên qua má. (The spirit medium used the skewer to pierce through his cheek.)
- Lễ vật có bao gồm một thanh lình. (The ritual offerings included an iron spike.)
Advanced Usage
- The word "lình" is highly specific to the context of Vietnamese spirit mediumship (lên đồng) and related folk religious practices. It is an archaic term not used in everyday modern language.
Variants and Related Words
- Xiên (n/v): A more common, general word for "skewer" (for food) or "to skewer/pierce."
- Xiên thịt nướng. (Barbecue meat skewers.)
Synonyms
- Skewer: A thin pointed rod for piercing.
- Awl: A small pointed tool for making holes.
- Spike: A thin, pointed piece of metal.
Cultural Note
- "Lình" refers specifically to the ritual implement used in the practice of "lên đồng" (spirit mediumship) or "hầu đồng." It is part of acts of self-mortification performed by mediums to demonstrate the power and presence of the spirits, showing no pain or bleeding. This term belongs to a very specialized cultural and religious vocabulary.