xông nhà
Definition
- Verb phrase:
- To be the first visitor of the New Year: The primary meaning of "xông nhà" refers to the Vietnamese custom where the first person to enter a home after the Lunar New Year (Tết) is believed to bring luck and fortune to that household for the coming year.
- To perform a New Year's house-entering ritual: It describes the specific act of being that chosen or fortunate first visitor.
Usage Examples
- Verb phrase:
- Ông ấy được mời đến xông nhà vì ông có tuổi hợp với chủ nhà. (He was invited to be the first visitor because his zodiac sign is compatible with the homeowner's.)
- Năm nay, ai sẽ xông nhà cho gia đình chúng ta? (Who will be our first visitor this year?)
- Người ta tin rằng người xông nhà sẽ ảnh hưởng đến vận may cả năm. (People believe the first visitor influences the luck for the entire year.)
Advanced Usage
- The practice is often called "xông đất" (to be the first to tread the land/house), which is essentially synonymous with "xông nhà." The choice of the first visitor is sometimes carefully selected based on their age, career success, or auspicious zodiac sign.
Variants and Related Words
- Xông đất (verb phrase): to be the first visitor of the New Year (literally: to tread the land first). This is the more common term.
- Bác tôi thường đi xông đất cho họ hàng. (My uncle usually is the first visitor for our relatives.)
Synonyms
- To be the first-foot (in Scottish and Northern English tradition, a comparable custom).
Related Cultural Concepts
- First Visitor Custom: A traditional Vietnamese Lunar New Year belief and practice. The verb "xông" in this context implies an energetic, forceful entry, symbolizing the influx of new energy and luck for the household.