御霊前 (ごれいぜん) Japanese meaning | KotomoraMeanings
1
noun
before the spirit of the deceased
honorific or respectful (sonkeigo)
Honorific phrase written on condolence money envelopes or votive offerings at funerals and memorial services.
供
物
が
並
べ
られ
て
い
た
。
Offerings labeled '御霊前' were arranged on the altar.
in front, before
Similar words
- 御仏前
Used for Buddhist memorial services, while 御霊前 is more general and can be used regardless of the deceased's religion.
- 香典
Refers to the condolence money itself, while 御霊前 is the phrase written on the envelope.
Etymology
Compound of honorific prefix 御 (ご) + 霊前 (れいぜん), 'before the spirit'. 霊前 itself is from 霊 (spirit) + 前 (before).
