laam6 fo2 pun4檻火盆槛火盆
Jyutpinglaam6 fo2 pun4
Yalelaahm fó pùhn
Definition
To step over a basin of burning yellow paper, a ritual ceremony symbolizing a fresh start and the clearing away of bad luck.
colloquialfestivalother
How it's used
This practice is deeply rooted in traditional Chinese customs, often performed during weddings or after attending a funeral to cleanse negative energy. While modern urban living makes the actual fire impractical, some families still use a small electric lamp or a red mat to symbolize the act. It is primarily a ritualistic action rather than a common daily activity.
Examples
She had to step over a burning basin to ward off bad luck when she got married.
Common phrases
step over a burning basin to ward off evil
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
