Jìsì refers to the act of offering sacrifices and performing rituals to express reverence towards deities or ancestors.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Offer sacrifices to gods or ancestors.
- Formal ritual with offerings and prayers.
- Expresses respect, gratitude, or seeks blessings.
Overview
祭祀（jìsì）是一个动词，意为向神灵、祖先或某种神圣力量献上供品、进行仪式，以表达敬意、祈求保佑、感恩或与神灵沟通。这是人类社会中一种古老而普遍的文化现象，尤其在中国传统文化中，祭祀活动贯穿了历史的各个时期，承载着丰富的精神内涵和复杂的社会功能。
祭祀通常与特定的时间和场合相关联，例如节日（春节、清明节、中秋节）、人生重要节点（生日、婚礼、葬礼）或特殊事件（丰收、祈雨）。祭祀的对象可以是天神、地神、山神、河神、行业神、民族英雄、历史名人以及家族祖先。祭祀的方式多种多样，包括献上食物（如牲畜、谷物、水果）、酒水、香火、纸钱，以及进行祈祷、歌舞、仪式表演等。在现代汉语中，虽然一些传统的祭祀活动有所简化或改变，但其核心意义——表达敬意和情感——仍然存在。
祭祀的语境通常是宗教、民俗、历史、文化和家庭。例如：
**学术研究：** 在研究中国古代历史、民俗学、宗教学时，会涉及祭祀的起源、演变和意义。
与“祭祀”含义相近的词语包括：
- 祭拜 (jìbài): 祭拜的范围比祭祀更广，可以指对神佛、祖先、圣贤的尊敬和崇拜，不一定涉及隆重的仪式和供品，有时仅仅是表达敬意。祭祀则更侧重于正式的仪式和献上供品。
- 祭奠 (jìdiàn): 主要用于祭祀逝去的亲人或英雄，强调的是追思、悼念和缅怀之情，通常在葬礼或纪念日进行。
- 供奉 (gòngfèng): 指尊敬地提供食物、物品等，以示崇敬。供奉的对象多为神佛、祖先，强调的是持续的、日常的尊敬和供养，而祭祀则更偏向于一次性的、具有仪式感的活动。
- 祭礼 (jìlǐ): 指祭祀的仪式或礼节，是祭祀活动中的具体执行部分，侧重于“礼”的方面。
Examples
每年清明节，我们都会回到老家祭祀祖先。
everydayEvery year during the Qingming Festival, we return to our hometown to offer sacrifices to our ancestors.
古时，人们会在丰收后举行盛大的祭祀典礼，感谢上天的恩赐。
historicalIn ancient times, people would hold grand sacrificial ceremonies after a bountiful harvest to thank Heaven for its blessings.
他虔诚地在神龛前祭祀，祈求家人平安。
religiousHe devoutly performed sacrifices at the shrine, praying for his family's safety.
该考古遗址出土了大量与古代祭祀活动相关的文物。
academicNumerous artifacts related to ancient sacrificial activities were unearthed at the archaeological site.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
祭祀祖先
offer sacrifices to ancestors
祭祀活动
sacrificial activities
祭祀用品
sacrificial items
Often Confused With
'Jìsì' (祭祀) implies a more formal and structured ritual involving offerings, often on specific occasions. 'Jìbài' (祭拜) is broader and can refer to any act of worship or reverence, including simpler gestures.
'Jìdiàn' (祭奠) specifically refers to mourning rituals for the deceased, emphasizing remembrance and sorrow. 'Jìsì' can include this but also covers worship of deities and seeking blessings.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term 'jìsì' is formal and often associated with traditional, religious, or historical contexts. While it's a common word, its usage implies a degree of solemnity and respect. It is less likely to be used in very casual, everyday conversation unless referring to a specific traditional event.
Common Mistakes
Learners might overuse 'jìsì' for simple acts of respect. Remember that it specifically refers to rituals involving offerings. Confusing it with 'jìbài' (worship) or 'jìdiàn' (mourning) can lead to inaccuracies in meaning.
Tips
Understand the Ritualistic Aspect
Remember that 'jìsì' involves more than just thinking; it's about performing specific actions and offering something.
Avoid Casual Usage
'Jìsì' implies a solemn and respectful occasion. Avoid using it for everyday greetings or casual acknowledgments.
Ancestor Veneration Core
In Chinese culture, ancestor veneration is a key component of 'jìsì', reflecting deep respect for family lineage and history.
Word Origin
The character '祭' originally depicted a hand holding meat (月) over fire (灬), symbolizing offering. '祀' also relates to offering sacrifices, particularly to ancestors or deities. Together, they strongly denote ritualistic offerings.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, 'jìsì' is deeply tied to filial piety, respect for elders and ancestors, and maintaining harmony with the spiritual world. It plays a significant role in festivals and family traditions, reinforcing social bonds and cultural identity.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'ji' (key) that unlocks the door to the spirit world, and you 'si' (sacrifice) something to gain entry. Think of it as a formal 'key-sacrifice' ritual.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“祭祀”通常指更隆重、正式的仪式，包含献上供品、举行特定流程等。“祭拜”的范围更广，可以指对神佛、祖先的尊敬和崇拜，不一定需要很正式的仪式，有时只是表达敬意。
是的，虽然形式有所变化，但许多传统祭祀活动，如祭祖、祭拜神灵等，在现代社会依然存在，尤其是在节日和特殊纪念日。一些地方也发展出新的纪念方式。
祭祀的对象非常广泛，包括天神、地神、自然神灵（如山神、河神）、行业神、民族英雄、历史名人以及家族的祖先等。
“祭祀”这个词可以用在描述宗教活动、民俗传统、历史文化以及家庭纪念等场合。在学术讨论中也常被使用。
Test Yourself
在春节期间，许多家庭会进行_______活动来纪念祖先。
“祭祀”意为向祖先献上供品和进行仪式，符合语境。
“祭祀”的主要目的是什么？
祭祀的核心在于表达对神灵或祖先的尊敬、感恩，并可能祈求保佑。
请用“祭祀”和“祖先”造句。
这个句子清晰地说明了祭祀祖先的时间和行为，符合语法和语境。
Score: /3
Summary
Jìsì refers to the act of offering sacrifices and performing rituals to express reverence towards deities or ancestors.
- Offer sacrifices to gods or ancestors.
- Formal ritual with offerings and prayers.
- Expresses respect, gratitude, or seeks blessings.
Understand the Ritualistic Aspect
Remember that 'jìsì' involves more than just thinking; it's about performing specific actions and offering something.
Avoid Casual Usage
'Jìsì' implies a solemn and respectful occasion. Avoid using it for everyday greetings or casual acknowledgments.
Ancestor Veneration Core
In Chinese culture, ancestor veneration is a key component of 'jìsì', reflecting deep respect for family lineage and history.
Examples
4 of 4每年清明节，我们都会回到老家祭祀祖先。
Every year during the Qingming Festival, we return to our hometown to offer sacrifices to our ancestors.
古时，人们会在丰收后举行盛大的祭祀典礼，感谢上天的恩赐。
In ancient times, people would hold grand sacrificial ceremonies after a bountiful harvest to thank Heaven for its blessings.
他虔诚地在神龛前祭祀，祈求家人平安。
He devoutly performed sacrifices at the shrine, praying for his family's safety.
该考古遗址出土了大量与古代祭祀活动相关的文物。
Numerous artifacts related to ancient sacrificial activities were unearthed at the archaeological site.
