hoi1 gwong1開光开光
Jyutpinghoi1 gwong1
Yalehōi gwōng
Definition
To consecrate or dot the eyes of a newly completed deity statue in Buddhist or Taoist ceremonies.
colloquialother
How it's used
Beyond formal religious contexts, people often use this term to describe the act of having a priest or master bless personal items like jade jewelry or even new cars to bring good luck. It implies a transition from a mundane object to one imbued with spiritual protection. The term is deeply rooted in traditional folk belief and carries a sense of solemnity even when applied to small personal possessions.
Examples
When will this Buddha statue be consecrated?
The master performed a consecration ceremony for my newly bought jade.
Related words
Common phrases
consecration ceremony
ask a master to perform consecration
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply cleaning or activating an object. It specifically refers to the ritual act of consecration, and using it for everyday tasks like turning on a machine or opening a box is incorrect and would sound nonsensical.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
