Whenever we go to a new place and want to quickly adapt and integrate, we often need to find out about the customs, traditions, and way of life there. The idiom "Every land has its customs, every village has its traditions" reminds us of this. For example: "When you become a daughter-in-law, don't cling to the habits of your hometown. Every land has its customs, every village has its traditions; that religious community still has many customs and traditions" (Vietnamese Family).
In Vietnamese, "lề" refers to the habits, rules, and customs of a particular locality or community. We often hear terms like "lề lối," "lề luật," and "lề phép." "Lề" here is similar in sound and to some extent to "lệ," as in "lệ thường," "thông lệ," and "lệ luật" (e.g., "Phép vua thua lệ làng" meaning "the king's law is inferior to village customs": In villages, customs and traditions override all state laws). "Thối" means habit, custom, or way of life. We often hear "thối hư tật xấu" (bad habits and vices) referring to outdated or undesirable habits that should be eliminated.
Legend has it that in ancient times, Trạng Trình Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm (1491-1585), originally from Trung Am, Vĩnh Lại district, Kiến An province (now Trung Am village, Lý Học commune, Vĩnh Bảo district, Hải Phòng), was a highly talented and learned man. Once, one of his talented students, Phùng Khắc Khoan, came to visit, forgetting to wear his hat inside the house. Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm sternly reprimanded him: “You must take off your shoes and hat outside. When entering the house, especially the temple, you must show respect. Local customs and traditions apply. Wherever you go, you must learn, my son.”
The idiom "Every land has its customs, every village has its traditions" is similar in meaning to another Sino-Vietnamese idiom, "When entering a family, one must follow their customs" (meaning that when joining a family, one must abide by their habits and way of life).
Local customs and traditions, my dear.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do; never forget that!
Article by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Van Tinh
Illustrative image: Archival material
