1.
before the spirit of the deceased; condolence offering
A term written on condolence money envelopes at Japanese funerals, meaning the offering is presented before the spirit of the deceased. Used at Buddhist funerals during the mourning period before the 49th day.
御霊前と書いた封筒を用意した。
I prepared an envelope inscribed with 'goreizen.'
通夜に御霊前を持って行った。
I brought a condolence offering to the wake.
仏式の葬儀では、四十九日までは御霊前、それ以降は御仏前を使う。
At Buddhist funerals, 'goreizen' is used until the 49th day, and 'gobutsuzen' is used after that.
Literally "before the honorable spirit." This is the most common inscription written on the 不祝儀袋 (condolence envelope) at Japanese funerals. It is used when the deceased's spirit has not yet become a Buddha, which in Buddhist belief occurs on the 49th day after death.
After the 49th day memorial (四十九日), the appropriate inscription changes to 御仏前 (before the Buddha), as the spirit is believed to have attained Buddhahood. When unsure of the denomination, 御霊前 is generally the safest choice, as it is accepted by most Buddhist sects (except 浄土真宗, which uses 御仏前 from the start).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 御霊前を供える: to present a condolence offering
- 御霊前の封筒: condolence envelope
- 御霊前に花を手向ける: to offer flowers before the spirit
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 御仏前: before the Buddha (used after the 49th day)
- 香典: condolence money
- 御香典: condolence money (honorific form)