ngả cỗ
Definition
- Verb phrase:
- To clear the ritual offerings from the altar and place them on the table for the meal: This is the primary, traditional meaning. It refers to the specific action in a Vietnamese ancestral worship ceremony where, after the ritual is complete, the food offerings are taken from the altar and arranged on the dining table for the living family members to consume.
- To begin the feast after a ceremony: By extension, it signifies the act of transitioning from the formal ritual part of an event (like a death anniversary or Tet holiday) to the communal eating part.
Usage Examples
- Verb phrase:
- Sau khi cúng xong, gia đình cùng nhau ngả cỗ. (After finishing the worship ceremony, the family cleared the offerings together to begin the feast.)
- Giờ là lúc ngả cỗ để mọi người dùng bữa. (It is now time to clear the ritual food so everyone can eat.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is deeply tied to Vietnamese spiritual and family culture. The act of "ngả cỗ" symbolizes the sharing of blessings from the ancestors with the living descendants. It turns a sacred offering into a communal meal, strengthening family bonds.
Variants and Related Words
- Cỗ (n): feast, ceremonial food spread, offerings. This is the key component of the phrase.
- Bày cỗ (v): to arrange the ritual offerings on the altar. This is the action that happens the ceremony.
- Hạ cỗ (v): a less common synonym for "ngả cỗ," meaning to take down the offerings.
Synonyms
- To clear the altar feast: A descriptive synonym explaining the action.
- To set the ritual food for the meal: Describes the purpose of the action.
Related Cultural Notes
- "Ngả cỗ" is not simply "to have a feast." It specifically implies the feast originates from ritual offerings. The practice reflects the belief that the ancestors spiritually partake in the food first, and then the physical food is consumed by the family, creating a tangible connection between the spiritual and physical worlds.