thành hoàng
Definition
- Noun:
- Tutelary deity / Tutelary god: The guardian spirit or deity of a Vietnamese village, commune, or sometimes a city. This deity is believed to protect the community and its inhabitants.
- Patron saint (in a cultural context): A term used to describe a deified figure, often a historical or legendary person, who is worshipped as the spiritual protector of a specific locality.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Mỗi làng ở miền Bắc Việt Nam thường thờ một vị thành hoàng riêng. (Every village in Northern Vietnam typically worships its own tutelary deity.)
- Đình làng là nơi thờ cúng thành hoàng. (The village communal house is the place for worshipping the tutelary god.)
- Lễ hội làng được tổ chức để kỷ niệm ngày sinh của vị thành hoàng. (The village festival is held to commemorate the birthday of the patron saint.)
Advanced Usage
- The concept of "thành hoàng" is central to Vietnamese folk religion and village culture. The deity can be a national hero, a local virtuous person, a natural spirit, or even an animal credited with helping the community.
- The worship of the "thành hoàng" is administered at the "đình" (communal house), which serves as both a religious and social center for the village.
Variants and Related Words
- Thần thành hoàng: Another term for the tutelary deity, emphasizing its divine nature.
- Thần thành hoàng được cho là phù hộ cho mùa màng bội thu. (The tutelary god is believed to bless the village with bountiful harvests.)
Synonyms
- Guardian spirit: A spirit that protects a place or group of people.
- Patron deity: A deity regarded as a special protector or supporter.
- Tutelary spirit: A spirit serving as a guardian, protector, or patron.
Related Cultural Concepts
- Thần: A general term for a god, spirit, or deity.
- Đình: The communal house, which is the architectural and ritual center for the worship of the "thành hoàng".
- Lễ hội làng: The village festival, often held to honor the "thành hoàng".