trai đàn

trai đàn

Trai đàn được dựng lên trong sân chùa để làm lễ cầu siêu.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A ceremonial altar or platform: A temporary structure, often elaborately decorated, erected specifically for the purpose of conducting a Buddhist or traditional Vietnamese ritual for the dead. Its primary function is to serve as the focal point for prayers and offerings to guide and comfort the soul of the deceased.
    • The ritual ceremony itself: By extension, the term can refer to the entire ceremony or ritual event that takes place at such an altar.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • Gia đình dựng một trai đàn lớn trong sân để cầu siêu cho cụ. (The family erected a large ceremonial altar in the yard to pray for the salvation of the elder's soul.)
    • Trai đàn được trang trí với hoa quả, nhang đèn và đồ cúng. (The altar was decorated with fruits, incense, lamps, and offerings.)
    • Làng tổ chức trai đàn ba ngày để tưởng nhớ các anh hùng liệt sĩ. (The village held a three-day ritual ceremony to commemorate the martyred heroes.)
Advanced Usage
  • The concept of a is deeply rooted in Mahayana Buddhist and Vietnamese folk religious practices. It is central to ceremonies like "chẩn tế" (alms-giving to hungry ghosts) or "cầu siêu" (praying for the salvation of souls), especially during the Vu Lan season.
Variants and Related Words

  • Lập đàn (v): to set up or establish a ceremonial altar.

    • Họ lập đàn cúng bái ngoài trời. (They set up an altar for worship outdoors.)

  • Đàn chay (n): This is a closely related term, often used interchangeably with trai đàn. It specifically denotes a vegetarian altar or a ceremony involving vegetarian offerings, emphasizing purity.

    • Đàn chay được dựng lên để cầu an cho dân làng. (A vegetarian altar was erected to pray for the peace of the villagers.)
Synonyms
  • Ceremonial altar: A raised structure for religious rites.
  • Ritual platform: A stage for performing ceremonial acts.
  • Memorial service: (When referring to the ceremony itself) A religious ceremony in memory of someone who has died.
Related Cultural Concepts
  • Cúng chay: To make vegetarian offerings. This practice is directly connected to the purpose of a or , emphasizing compassion and non-harm.
  • Lễ cầu siêu: A prayer ceremony for the salvation of souls, which is the most common ritual performed at a .