tiên mai
Definition
- Noun:
- A type of ceremonial paper money: "Tiên mai" refers to a specific form of joss paper, traditionally used in Vietnamese ancestor veneration and rituals. It is characterized by its decoration, often featuring an image of a plum blossom ("mai") branch.
- A votive offering: It is burned as an offering to deities, spirits, or ancestors, symbolizing the sending of material goods to the spiritual realm.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Gia đình đốt tiên mai trong lễ cúng ông bà. (The family burns "tiên mai" in the ceremony to worship their ancestors.)
- Trên tờ tiên mai có hình một cành hoa mai rất đẹp. (The "tiên mai" note has a picture of a very beautiful plum blossom branch.)
Advanced Usage
- The term originates from the phrase "mai tiên," indicating its primary decorative motif. Its use is deeply embedded in the context of traditional Vietnamese spiritual practices and is not typically used in everyday modern conversation outside of ritual settings.
Variants and Related Words
- Vàng mã (n): A general term for votive paper objects, including paper money, clothes, and items, which are burned as offerings. "Tiên mai" is a specific type of "vàng mã."
- Giấy tiền (n): Another general term for joss paper or spirit money.
- Hóa vàng (v): The act of burning votive paper offerings at the end of a ritual period, such as the Lunar New Year.
Synonyms
- Joss paper: Paper crafted for burning in religious ceremonies.
- Spirit money: Votive currency for the afterlife.
- Votive offering: An item offered in a religious ritual.
Related Cultural Context
- Use in rituals: "Tiên mai" is commonly used during important festivals like Tết (Lunar New Year), death anniversaries ("ngày giỗ"), and the mid-year "Vu Lan" festival. Burning it is believed to provide wealth and comfort to deceased ancestors in the other world.
- Symbolism: The plum blossom ("hoa mai") symbolizes resilience, longevity, and purity, adding a layer of auspicious meaning to the offering.