lông phượng gót lân
Definition
- Noun phrase:
- Phoenix feathers and qilin heels: A classical Vietnamese idiom, derived from Sino-Vietnamese imagery, used to metaphorically describe one's descendants. It signifies that the descendants are as numerous as the feathers of a phoenix and as excellent or auspicious as the heels of a qilin (a mythical hooved creature). It conveys wishes for a prolific and outstanding lineage.
Usage Examples
- Noun phrase:
- Cụ mong ước con cháu đông đúc, lông phượng gót lân. (The elder wishes for numerous descendants, as many as phoenix feathers and qilin heels.)
- Lời chúc lông phượng gót lân thường dành cho các gia đình truyền thống. (The wish for "phoenix feathers and qilin heels" is often given to traditional families.)
Advanced Usage
- This phrase is primarily used in formal, literary, or ceremonial contexts such as blessings, couplets (câu đối), traditional letters, or prayers for fertility and family prosperity. It is not used in everyday conversation.
Variants and Related Words
- Con đàn cháu đống: (Idiom) A common Vietnamese idiom with a similar meaning, wishing for many children and grandchildren. It is less literary and more frequently used in spoken blessings.
- Ông bà nào cũng mong con đàn cháu đống. (Every grandparent wishes for a flock of children and grandchildren.)
Synonyms
- A prolific and distinguished lineage: Having many successful descendants.
- A flourishing progeny: Many children and grandchildren who thrive.
Related Idioms
- Phượng hoàng sinh con: (Literal: The phoenix gives birth.) Sometimes used in similar contexts to denote the birth of an exceptional child.
- Lân nhi: (Literary) A term for a child of a qilin, referring to an extraordinary or gifted child.