thầy mo
Definition
- Noun:
- A shaman or spirit priest: A traditional ritual specialist, typically from the ethnic minority communities in the mountainous regions of Vietnam, who performs ceremonies, communicates with spirits, and conducts healing rituals.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Người làng mời thầy mo đến cúng cho một vụ mùa bội thu. (The villagers invited the shaman to perform a ceremony for a bountiful harvest.)
- Thầy mo khấn vái và gọi các vị thần linh. (The spirit priest prayed and called upon the deities.)
Advanced Usage
- The role of a is central to the spiritual life of many ethnic groups, such as the Hmong, Thai, and Muong. Their duties often include healing the sick, conducting funerals, performing rituals for good luck, and interpreting omens.
Variants and Related Words
- Thầy cúng (n): A general term for a ritual master or worshipping specialist, more commonly used among the Kinh (ethnic Vietnamese) majority. While similar, specifically denotes this role within upland ethnic minority cultures.
Synonyms
- Shaman: A person regarded as having access to, and influence in, the world of good and evil spirits.
- Spirit priest: A religious leader who performs rituals to interact with the spirit world.
Related Cultural Notes
- The is not merely a religious figure but also a guardian of ethnic traditions, folklore, and medicinal knowledge. The practice is deeply intertwined with animist beliefs and ancestor worship.