Often, people wish each other a century of wisdom, but not everyone truly understands and uses this expression correctly. Let's explore the meaning of Bach Nien Giai Lao together through the article below on Mytour.

What does Bach Nien Giai Lao mean?
Bach Nien translates to a hundred years, symbolizing the entire time a person lives in this world. Traditionally, people believe that the longest human lifespan is a hundred years, though very few reach that age. In reality, living beyond 70 is already uncommon. Therefore, the phrase 'a hundred years' is not a specific number but represents a person's lifetime, implying many years. Bach Nien Giai Lao signifies living together until old age.
Bach Nien Giai Lao, in essence, is a wish for enduring happiness in marriage, living together until the end of days. The pure Vietnamese interpretation of this saying is 'silver hair, dragon teeth.'

This proverb is commonly used as a wedding wish, hoping that the couple will live together until they are a hundred years old, growing old together.
Origin of the saying Bach Nien Giai Lao?
'Bach Nien Giai Lao' originates from Đồng Giải Nguyên's work, 'Tây Sương Kí Chư Cung Điệu.' Inspired by Nguyên Chấn's 'Oanh Oanh Story,' a literary work from the Tang Dynasty, Đồng Giải Nguyên crafted his masterpiece. Oanh Oanh Story narrates Nguyên Chấn's youthful love. At Phổ Cứu Pagoda, he encountered a beautiful woman named Oanh Oanh, and love quickly blossomed. However, burdened by the responsibilities of academia during feudal times, Nguyên Chấn was forced to part with his beloved. Their tragic love story became a poignant inspiration for later literary works, including Tây Sương Kí Chư Cung Điệu, set in the romantic landscape of Tây Sương, where Nguyên Chấn and Oanh Oanh had once promised each other forever.
Various uses of Bach Nien Giai Lao
- Such a joyful meal, everyone wishes the newlyweds a life of enduring happiness. - Nguyễn Đình Thi | Vỡ bờ
- Guests gather to enjoy tea and sweet treats, expressing wishes for the couple's enduring happiness and a prosperous family.
- Wishing the couple harmony, standing together until they have silver hair and dragon teeth.

- Having a wonderful wife, I hope the couple will live a life of enduring happiness, with a large family of descendants.
- I made a vow to her that I want to be with her until we have silver hair and dragon teeth.
Through this article, you've likely grasped the meaning of this proverb and the story behind it. Hopefully, it has provided you with valuable insights.