The kingdom of Cambodia is suffering from the conservation of physical cultural heritage. Now a day International agencies such as UNESCO are doing some efforts to safeguard the glorious Angkor temples situated in the North West part of the country.
Folkloric music and dance:
In Cambodia the folkloric tradition has always given rise to number of different performance genres. From past centuries they have interacted and draw the inference in to the court traditions. The source materials were common such as the Javanese panji cycle, the Ramayana, jataka stories and some of the locally common mythology. Unfortunately some of these genres, e,g, folk theatres lakhaon boeuk bot and lakhaon pramochtei have now almost vanished.
Some overseas-funded enterprises are always attempting to name funds to revive some of these lost forms. Some famous living masters or students of those wonderful masters are still there to lend their support. It can be seen that each of the region has its own unique folk dance traditions. These are undoubtedly linked to local ceremonies and some special days. In recent time the National Theatre Company performed the ‘Khmer folkloric dances’ i.e. robam prapeyney and these are actually a recent origin. In 1960’s these were choreographed at the Royal University of Fine Arts. You can notice that many of these folkloric dances are based on older forms. These were created to celebrate some notable periods of the year such as time of some group games when men officially flirt with young women and also at the harvest time or New Year.
In neighboring places like Laos and Thailand ‘popular dances’ such as robam pracheaprey spread fast throughout the country. The time was the the early years of the 20th century. The most popular dances can be mentioned as the ever-present group circle dance. This was known as ram vong while a related style was known as ram kbach.
Cambodian literature in early days
In Cambodia folk tales and epic poems were transmitted by oral tradition in earlier days. Certain ethnic communities are still there that maintain this spontaneous literature. These communities are settled in the north east and north side of the country. The earliest can be found in the Angkorian era i.e. in the 9th-13th centuries. This was written in the Sanskrit verses decorated on palm leaf manuscripts. By 11th century Jataka and Buddhist writings were being created on a regular basis.
In Khmer the oldest work written is the Reamker. This was actually the Cambodian version of the ancient epic Ramayana. This eventually appears on bas-reliefs and also paintings at temples and some pagodas throughout the Kingdom. For different centuries the Reamker has provided the material for some of the great traditional performance genres. In today’s date it is taught in high schools in Cambodia. The manuscripts of the Reamker are believed to originate in the early Angkorian era.
In the 17th century and onwards poems known as chbap i.e. ‘codes of conduct’ were written by some of the Buddhist monks. This was actually done to teach beginners about morality. These poems were written in the precise metre. But very soon it demanded of Khmer poetry that too with colorful compounds rhyme patterns. Subsequently these became set texts in Wat schools as well. In the same period the satra lbaeng i.e. ‘works for pleasure’ appeared. This was a lengthy verse-novels recounted the olden Jataka tales.
In the year 1990, the National Library funded for the cleaning and making microfilm on these palm-leaf manuscripts. Many well-liked folktales were not officially recorded. But all of these are remembered and also re-told. The moral, animal tales as for example traditional riddles, jungle rabbit and sayings are also included. Some of these from 1950-1970 were collected and published by the Buddhist Institute. Recently some NGOs have produced some illustrated interpretations of the old narratives for children.
In Khmer the oldest work written is the Reamker. This was actually the Cambodian version of the ancient epic Ramayana. This eventually appears on bas-reliefs and also paintings at temples and some pagodas throughout the Kingdom. For different centuries the Reamker has provided the material for some of the great traditional performance genres. In today’s date it is taught in high schools in Cambodia. The manuscripts of the Reamker are believed to originate in the early Angkorian era.
In the 17th century and onwards poems known as chbap i.e. ‘codes of conduct’ were written by some of the Buddhist monks. This was actually done to teach beginners about morality. These poems were written in the precise metre. But very soon it demanded of Khmer poetry that too with colorful compounds rhyme patterns. Subsequently these became set texts in Wat schools as well. In the same period the satra lbaeng i.e. ‘works for pleasure’ appeared. This was a lengthy verse-novels recounted the olden Jataka tales.
In the year 1990, the National Library funded for the cleaning and making microfilm on these palm-leaf manuscripts. Many well-liked folktales were not officially recorded. But all of these are remembered and also re-told. The moral, animal tales as for example traditional riddles, jungle rabbit and sayings are also included. Some of these from 1950-1970 were collected and published by the Buddhist Institute. Recently some NGOs have produced some illustrated interpretations of the old narratives for children.
A brief of Cambodian culture
Cambodian culture some of the artistic appearances were shadowed by the immensity of the past days. The Khmer empire was much inclined to Indian influence. Most of the achievements symbolized original contributions to Asian civilization. The wonderful architecture and sculpture of the Angkor period can be seen in the temple such as Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. All these showed the acme of Khmer creativity. In 15th century the Thai capture the Angkor. After that the region underwent four centuries of foreign invasions. Civil war and widespread depopulation were the common features at that time. In 1863 French protectorate establishment and just after that the internal security of Cambodia was restored. The country’s borders were well-stabilized. Different efforts were made to revitalize the traditional Khmer art forms.
Over a period of time Cambodian culture was enhanced with the tinge of Chinese, Javanese and Thai culture as well. It can be seen that between the 9th and 15th centuries, a wealthy and influential empire prospered in northwestern Cambodia. The Khmer kingdom dominated many places such as Vietnam, Laos and Thailand. India was the point of political as well as religious inspiration for the kingdom Cambodia. Sanskrit was the literary language of the court but the spoken language of Cambodia was Khmer. This period saw some massive temples such as Bayon at Angkor Thum and the Angkor Wat. They give evidence to the power of Angkor and also the brilliance of its decorative art and architecture. The incomparable achievements were seen in the field of art, music, architecture and dance during this period. This period worked as landmark for further cultural development in Cambodia.
In traditional Cambodian culture music has always occupied a central place. Music was practiced everywhere. Children used to sing it while playing and adults at work. Young men and women use to take the help of music to express something at the time of courting. In different festivals and celebration music was an important part.
Over a period of time Cambodian culture was enhanced with the tinge of Chinese, Javanese and Thai culture as well. It can be seen that between the 9th and 15th centuries, a wealthy and influential empire prospered in northwestern Cambodia. The Khmer kingdom dominated many places such as Vietnam, Laos and Thailand. India was the point of political as well as religious inspiration for the kingdom Cambodia. Sanskrit was the literary language of the court but the spoken language of Cambodia was Khmer. This period saw some massive temples such as Bayon at Angkor Thum and the Angkor Wat. They give evidence to the power of Angkor and also the brilliance of its decorative art and architecture. The incomparable achievements were seen in the field of art, music, architecture and dance during this period. This period worked as landmark for further cultural development in Cambodia.
In traditional Cambodian culture music has always occupied a central place. Music was practiced everywhere. Children used to sing it while playing and adults at work. Young men and women use to take the help of music to express something at the time of courting. In different festivals and celebration music was an important part.
Marriage and divorce in Cambodia
In Cambodia, people are very descent and they cannot allow premarital sex. Choosing a spouse is really a hard task in Cambodia. The young male or young female has to involve his relatives or friends in this process. A matchmaker also takes initiative to do the job. Theoretically a girl may reject the spouse chosen by her parents. In rural and urban areas the courtship patterns of Khmer differs a lot. A man generally marries between the ages of nineteen and twenty-five. The usual age for a girl to marry is sixteen to twenty-two. After selecting the spouse the members of each family interrogate with each others. This is done just to make sure that the child is marrying into a good family. In rural areas bride-service is available. This can be explained as the young man may take a promise to serve his probable father-in-law for a short period of time.
The traditional Cambodian wedding is a colorful affair. Previously it was a three days affair. Buddhist priests offer a short lecture and recite prayers of blessing as well. The other parts of the ceremony involve ritual hair cutting. They also tie cotton threads soaked in holy water. This is tied around the bride’s and groom’s wrists. Then they pass a candle around a circle of happily married couples. The purpose of this is to bless the union. After the wedding, a grand banquet is held. Newlyweds move in with the wife’s parents. They live with them up to one year. After that they build a new house in close proximity.
I know divorce does not suit just after marriage. But as every coin has two sides, we should also discuss about Cambodian divorce. In Cambodia divorce is legal. Getting divorce is comparatively easy in this country. But it is not common here. Each spouse holds back whatever assets he or she contributed into the marriage. Jointly-acquired property is equally divided between the two. Remarry is allowed but the woman should wait for ten months.
The traditional Cambodian wedding is a colorful affair. Previously it was a three days affair. Buddhist priests offer a short lecture and recite prayers of blessing as well. The other parts of the ceremony involve ritual hair cutting. They also tie cotton threads soaked in holy water. This is tied around the bride’s and groom’s wrists. Then they pass a candle around a circle of happily married couples. The purpose of this is to bless the union. After the wedding, a grand banquet is held. Newlyweds move in with the wife’s parents. They live with them up to one year. After that they build a new house in close proximity.
I know divorce does not suit just after marriage. But as every coin has two sides, we should also discuss about Cambodian divorce. In Cambodia divorce is legal. Getting divorce is comparatively easy in this country. But it is not common here. Each spouse holds back whatever assets he or she contributed into the marriage. Jointly-acquired property is equally divided between the two. Remarry is allowed but the woman should wait for ten months.
Clothing style in Cambodia
In Cambodia the traditional wearing can be mentioned as checkered scarf. This is usually called as Krama. The Krama clearly separates the Khmer from the Thai, the Vietnamese and also the Laotians. The scarf can be used for many purposes one of which is style. The scarf also helps to protect the person from the sun. This can be a perfect aid for your feet when climbing trees. Scarfs can sometimes be a hammock for infants. It can also be used as a towel or as a ‘sarong’. A ‘krama’ can easily be shaped into a small child’s doll. It can be seen that under the Khmer Rouge, krama of different patterns were an inseparable part of the standard clothing.
Cambodia has some other traditional costume such as Sampot. Most of the Cambodians wore it since Funan era. This costume is known to be influenced from China. The clothing of Khmer People also changed. Over a period of time everything changed and the change is for good. In earlier Angkor and Funan Era, a strong invasion of Hinduism was there. This was followed by Cambodian to have upper naked. They wear Sampot and jewelry like Bracelets and something very especial looks collar like Sarong Kor. This was a symbol to Hinduism.
After some time when the effect of Hinduism decreased and Buddhism started leading the country, at that time Khmer people started wearing the shirt, Blouse, and Trouser. The dressing was completely in Khmer style. Both average as well as Royal khmer people ignore wearing Hinduism’s Collar. They start using shawl like Sbai with beautiful decoration.
Cambodians still like religion style of Clothing. Some Khmer men and women are seen with Buddha pendant. They wear it in a necklace fashion. The uses of these pendants are different, some are used for the protection from evil spirits while some are used to bring good luck.
Cambodia has some other traditional costume such as Sampot. Most of the Cambodians wore it since Funan era. This costume is known to be influenced from China. The clothing of Khmer People also changed. Over a period of time everything changed and the change is for good. In earlier Angkor and Funan Era, a strong invasion of Hinduism was there. This was followed by Cambodian to have upper naked. They wear Sampot and jewelry like Bracelets and something very especial looks collar like Sarong Kor. This was a symbol to Hinduism.
After some time when the effect of Hinduism decreased and Buddhism started leading the country, at that time Khmer people started wearing the shirt, Blouse, and Trouser. The dressing was completely in Khmer style. Both average as well as Royal khmer people ignore wearing Hinduism’s Collar. They start using shawl like Sbai with beautiful decoration.
Cambodians still like religion style of Clothing. Some Khmer men and women are seen with Buddha pendant. They wear it in a necklace fashion. The uses of these pendants are different, some are used for the protection from evil spirits while some are used to bring good luck.
Cambodian festivals
Some more important Cambodian festivals are randomly selected and mentioned below:
King Sihanouk’s birthday celebrated on October 31st: The birthday of the country’s influential king takes place in October 31st. The day is celebrated on late October or early November. People from every corners of the country come to Phnom Penh, the capital to enjoy the celebrations and festivities. Sometimes the King’s birthday and the water festivals coincide and this results in a mammoth celebration. The gathering takes place in front of the Royal Palace and also along the riverfront.
Royal Plowing Day celebrated in the month of May: Cambodia has a connection with the farming and Earth. The country is a deep astrological faith that the Ox has one instrumental role and it determines the destiny of the agricultural yield each year. Every year in the month of May, the cultural ceremony takes place in Cambodia. The chosen place is the large park situated next to the Royal Palace i.e. in front of the National Museum. The King is the main here and he plays a key role in driving the Ox. Different foods and beverages are given to the ox to consume and the royal forecasters understand what the Ox has eaten. In this festival both men and women are seen wearing traditional Khmer dress.
Independence Day: In Cambodia the Independence Day takes place on the 9th of November. The place is at the site of the Independence Monument. You can take it at the junction of Norodom and Sihanouk Boulevards. In 1953 Cambodia gained independence from France. This day is celebrated for this reason.
National Day celebrated on November 9: This festival is the recent additions to the festival calendar in Cambodia. The day marks the end of the Khmer Rouge regime. Many Khmers are there who marks the day as the start of the Vietnamese regime. The time is seen as another period of foreign occupancy as well.
King Sihanouk’s birthday celebrated on October 31st: The birthday of the country’s influential king takes place in October 31st. The day is celebrated on late October or early November. People from every corners of the country come to Phnom Penh, the capital to enjoy the celebrations and festivities. Sometimes the King’s birthday and the water festivals coincide and this results in a mammoth celebration. The gathering takes place in front of the Royal Palace and also along the riverfront.
Royal Plowing Day celebrated in the month of May: Cambodia has a connection with the farming and Earth. The country is a deep astrological faith that the Ox has one instrumental role and it determines the destiny of the agricultural yield each year. Every year in the month of May, the cultural ceremony takes place in Cambodia. The chosen place is the large park situated next to the Royal Palace i.e. in front of the National Museum. The King is the main here and he plays a key role in driving the Ox. Different foods and beverages are given to the ox to consume and the royal forecasters understand what the Ox has eaten. In this festival both men and women are seen wearing traditional Khmer dress.
Independence Day: In Cambodia the Independence Day takes place on the 9th of November. The place is at the site of the Independence Monument. You can take it at the junction of Norodom and Sihanouk Boulevards. In 1953 Cambodia gained independence from France. This day is celebrated for this reason.
National Day celebrated on November 9: This festival is the recent additions to the festival calendar in Cambodia. The day marks the end of the Khmer Rouge regime. Many Khmers are there who marks the day as the start of the Vietnamese regime. The time is seen as another period of foreign occupancy as well.
Some of the celebrated festivals in Cambodia
Cambodians celebrate a number of traditional and international festivals. The rural population enjoys a lot in these colorful festivals. They actually gather to the capital to join in the celebrations. The fireworks displays are worth enjoying. Fireworks are common accompaniment of the festivals. At this time the nation unites with a common understanding of traditions and values. They look forward with great hope and expectation. Even in times of adversity people never leave up. They try harder to celebrate these festivals and make it memorable. Most of these are the traditional festivals influenced by Hinduism, Buddhism and royal cultures. Following festivals are some of the most important one celebrated in Cambodia throughout the year.
Chinese New Year celebrated in the month of January or February: In Cambodia large numbers of Chinese people are present and they run most of Cambodia’s business enterprises. Vietnamese immigrant communities are also run by the Chinese people in Cambodia. These are the reason why Chinese New Year is widely celebrated in Cambodia. In Phnom Penh you will be able to see the real pomp. Fireworks are inevitable part of a Chinese festival and no one would be complete without it.
Khmer New Year’s Day in the month of Mid April: This one is celebrated at the same time as the Thai New Year. This one is celebrated all over the country that marks the twist of the year. This calculation is based on the ancient Khmer calendar. This also marks the closing stage of the harvest done during the year. Most of the Cambodians decorate their homes and this is mainly done to please the ‘Heaven God’. Many people roam on street with small water bags and water pistols to ‘bless’ passersby. This is the time when you will see lots of happy faces throughout the country.
Chinese New Year celebrated in the month of January or February: In Cambodia large numbers of Chinese people are present and they run most of Cambodia’s business enterprises. Vietnamese immigrant communities are also run by the Chinese people in Cambodia. These are the reason why Chinese New Year is widely celebrated in Cambodia. In Phnom Penh you will be able to see the real pomp. Fireworks are inevitable part of a Chinese festival and no one would be complete without it.
Khmer New Year’s Day in the month of Mid April: This one is celebrated at the same time as the Thai New Year. This one is celebrated all over the country that marks the twist of the year. This calculation is based on the ancient Khmer calendar. This also marks the closing stage of the harvest done during the year. Most of the Cambodians decorate their homes and this is mainly done to please the ‘Heaven God’. Many people roam on street with small water bags and water pistols to ‘bless’ passersby. This is the time when you will see lots of happy faces throughout the country.
Arts and architecture in Cambodia
In the Angkor period, the height of Khmer art and architecture started. In Cambodia you can see all religious buildings that are surviving, made of stone or brick. The early kingdoms of Funan and Chenla culture were regarded as central to the evolution of Angkorian architecture and art. In South-Cambodia, relics of the pre-Angkorian periods have been found. The Hindu art prevails but a number of Mahayana-Buddhist Bodhisattvas have also been found.
During Angkor period, architecture was ruled by a series of and religious beliefs. In Khmer sculpture, common motifs are apsaras i.e. celestial nymphs. These have become a symbol of the Khmer culture as well. These apsaras are carved marvelously generally with ornate jewellery. They are clothed in the latest Angkor fashion. The ideal feminine beauty of that time is well represented by these apsaras. Other motifs are nagas i.e. sacred aquatic snakes. They play an important part in Hindu mythology as well. In Southeast Asia this belief of naga is most common. It can be said that most of these motifs have been taken from Indian art but presently known as traditional Khmer art.
Temples were planned to represent the cosmic Mt. Meru. This is actually the home of the gods of Indian cosmology and also surrounded by oceans. The literal meaning of Angkor is ‘city’ or ‘capital’ and Wat means ‘temple’. In Cambodia Angkor Wat is the largest and also most famous of the architectural masterpieces. Most probably Angkor Wat is the largest religious building on earth. This actual plan was conceived by Suryavarman II. It took 30 years to build Angkor Wat. The temple has been continuously occupied by monks and is well preserved.
The Angkor Wat is surrounded by intricate bas on the four sides. The most celebrated of these is ‘The Churning of the Ocean of Milk’. This can be seen on the east wing.
During Angkor period, architecture was ruled by a series of and religious beliefs. In Khmer sculpture, common motifs are apsaras i.e. celestial nymphs. These have become a symbol of the Khmer culture as well. These apsaras are carved marvelously generally with ornate jewellery. They are clothed in the latest Angkor fashion. The ideal feminine beauty of that time is well represented by these apsaras. Other motifs are nagas i.e. sacred aquatic snakes. They play an important part in Hindu mythology as well. In Southeast Asia this belief of naga is most common. It can be said that most of these motifs have been taken from Indian art but presently known as traditional Khmer art.
Temples were planned to represent the cosmic Mt. Meru. This is actually the home of the gods of Indian cosmology and also surrounded by oceans. The literal meaning of Angkor is ‘city’ or ‘capital’ and Wat means ‘temple’. In Cambodia Angkor Wat is the largest and also most famous of the architectural masterpieces. Most probably Angkor Wat is the largest religious building on earth. This actual plan was conceived by Suryavarman II. It took 30 years to build Angkor Wat. The temple has been continuously occupied by monks and is well preserved.
The Angkor Wat is surrounded by intricate bas on the four sides. The most celebrated of these is ‘The Churning of the Ocean of Milk’. This can be seen on the east wing.
Cambodian food
Cambodian food is a relative of Thai, Vietnamese or Chinese food. In Cambodia, the staple food can be mentioned as rice and fish. People eat rice as steamed, fried, and also as rice noodles. They like to eat fish as dried, fresh or salted.
Sometimes you may not like to eat a Cambodian food. I am talking about ‘prohoc’. This Cambodian food is made from rotten fish. In this process the fish is left to ferment to become a fish paste. This fish paste is eaten with rice. The description of the food is scary and it really sounds worse than it is. The foreigners face a tough time getting accustomed to its strong flavor. The Cambodians really like the ‘prohoc barang’ i.e. French prohoc. The Cambodians think that the cheese must taste like rotten fish paste. As seasonings they like to use lemon grass, hot peppers, mint and ginger.
Some older Cambodians like to chew betel nuts. Because of this habit some of the person’s teeth and gums have become dark shade of red. The Cambodians believe dark teeth are more beautiful because they think white teeth as the teeth of a skull. Some Cambodians who do not like to chew betel nuts try some pate just to darken their teeth. So, don’t be afraid if you see some people spitting out red liquid that looks like fresh blood in Cambodia. As a matter of fact this red liquid is the juice from betel nuts.
In Cambodia, desserts are made from either rice or fruit. Cambodians love the taste of sweet. In the urban areas, ice cream is very popular. In countryside it is not possible as there is no option to keep it cold there. In Cambodia you can easily get tea but they also like coffee introduced by the French. Coffee is best taken with very sweet condensed milk.
Sometimes you may not like to eat a Cambodian food. I am talking about ‘prohoc’. This Cambodian food is made from rotten fish. In this process the fish is left to ferment to become a fish paste. This fish paste is eaten with rice. The description of the food is scary and it really sounds worse than it is. The foreigners face a tough time getting accustomed to its strong flavor. The Cambodians really like the ‘prohoc barang’ i.e. French prohoc. The Cambodians think that the cheese must taste like rotten fish paste. As seasonings they like to use lemon grass, hot peppers, mint and ginger.
Some older Cambodians like to chew betel nuts. Because of this habit some of the person’s teeth and gums have become dark shade of red. The Cambodians believe dark teeth are more beautiful because they think white teeth as the teeth of a skull. Some Cambodians who do not like to chew betel nuts try some pate just to darken their teeth. So, don’t be afraid if you see some people spitting out red liquid that looks like fresh blood in Cambodia. As a matter of fact this red liquid is the juice from betel nuts.
In Cambodia, desserts are made from either rice or fruit. Cambodians love the taste of sweet. In the urban areas, ice cream is very popular. In countryside it is not possible as there is no option to keep it cold there. In Cambodia you can easily get tea but they also like coffee introduced by the French. Coffee is best taken with very sweet condensed milk.
Water festival in Cambodia
In Cambodia, the Water Festival takes place in the month of October or November each year. This is celebrated at the time of the full moon. The water festival in Cambodia is the most extravagant and energized festival in the Khmer calendar. This one starts on the day of the full moon. You can enjoy this in late October or in early November. At this time nearly one million people from different corners of the world gather together to the banks of the Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers. They flock in the Phnom Penh in an order to watch traditional boats racing on a huge scale. More than 400 brightly colored boats with over 2,500 paddlers battled it out for top honors in this year. In ancient time during the Khmer empire also the boat racing was very popular and it marked the strength of the powerful Khmer marine forces.
You can enjoy the boats race in pairs during the day. The race organized along a kilometer-long course. In the evening brightly decorated floats cruise can be seen along the river. In nighttime fireworks displays are organized. Altogether you can enjoy a festive mood.
The festival denotes the flow changing of the Tonle Sap River. This water festival is also organized for thanksgiving to the Mekong River. The river provides the country with abundant fish and fertile land and this is the reason why the people organize this thanksgiving ceremony. At this time the river flow returns to its normal down-stream direction. It can be mentioned that the Tonle Sap River earlier reverses its course with the progression of the rainy season. The river then flows ‘upstream’ to Tonle Sap Lake. With the end of rainy season, the river changes direction. At that time the swollen Tonle Sap Lake starts to empty back into the Mekong River. The result is vast quantities of fish that it leaves behind.
You can enjoy the boats race in pairs during the day. The race organized along a kilometer-long course. In the evening brightly decorated floats cruise can be seen along the river. In nighttime fireworks displays are organized. Altogether you can enjoy a festive mood.
The festival denotes the flow changing of the Tonle Sap River. This water festival is also organized for thanksgiving to the Mekong River. The river provides the country with abundant fish and fertile land and this is the reason why the people organize this thanksgiving ceremony. At this time the river flow returns to its normal down-stream direction. It can be mentioned that the Tonle Sap River earlier reverses its course with the progression of the rainy season. The river then flows ‘upstream’ to Tonle Sap Lake. With the end of rainy season, the river changes direction. At that time the swollen Tonle Sap Lake starts to empty back into the Mekong River. The result is vast quantities of fish that it leaves behind.
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