thọ đường
Definition
- Noun:
- A coffin prepared in advance: A coffin that is made and kept by or for an elderly person while they are still alive, as a traditional custom to prepare for their eventual death and to symbolize acceptance of mortality and longevity.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Ông cụ đã chuẩn bị sẵn một chiếc thọ đường trong nhà. (The old man had prepared a coffin in advance in his house.)
- Phong tục làm thọ đường ngày nay đã rất hiếm. (The custom of making a coffin in advance is very rare today.)
Advanced Usage
- The term "thọ đường" is archaic and carries a formal, traditional connotation. It is not used in modern, everyday language. Its use is primarily found in historical, cultural, or literary contexts discussing old customs.
Variants and Related Words
- Quan tài (n): coffin, casket. This is the standard, modern term for a coffin.
- Chiếc quan tài được đặt ở gian chính. (The coffin was placed in the main room.)
- Áo quan (n): coffin, casket. This is a synonym for "quan tài," also more common than "thọ đường."
- Áo quan thường được làm từ gỗ tốt. (Coffins are often made from good wood.)
Synonyms
- Prepared coffin: A coffin made before one's death.
- Coffin / Casket: A box or chest for burying a corpse.
Cultural Note
- The practice of preparing a "thọ đường" was rooted in the belief that it would bring good luck and a long life ("thọ") to the elderly person. It was seen as a pragmatic and calm acceptance of the life cycle, not as a morbid act. The word itself combines "thọ" (longevity) and "đường" (a hall or path), implying a vessel for the journey following a long life.