khmer new year essay

Khmer New Year: A Celebration of Culture, Tradition, and Renewal

Introduction

The Khmer New Year, also known as Choul Chnam Thmey, is one of the most significant festivals celebrated in Cambodia. It marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the new year according to the Khmer lunar calendar. This vibrant and joyous celebration is a time for Cambodians to come together, honor their traditions, and welcome the new year with renewed hope and optimism.

History and Significance

The Khmer New Year has its roots in ancient Hindu and Buddhist traditions. It is believed to have been celebrated for thousands of years, dating back to the time of the Khmer Empire. The festival is deeply intertwined with agricultural practices, as it signifies the end of the harvest season and the start of the rainy season, which is crucial for rice cultivation.

During this time, Cambodians pay homage to their ancestors and seek blessings for the year ahead. They believe that by performing traditional rituals and making offerings, they can ensure good fortune, prosperity, and happiness for themselves and their loved ones.

Preparations for the Khmer New Year

Preparations for the Khmer New Year begin well in advance. Cambodians clean and decorate their homes, preparing them for the arrival of ancestral spirits. They also engage in a thorough spring cleaning, symbolizing the removal of any negative energy from the previous year.

Another important aspect of the preparations is the creation of sand mounds or “Phnom Khsach,” which represent mountains. These mounds are adorned with colorful flags and are believed to be a symbol of good luck and prosperity.

Traditional Customs and Activities

The Khmer New Year is a time of joy and celebration. Cambodians engage in various customs and activities to mark the occasion. One of the most prominent traditions is the pouring of scented water over Buddha statues and the elderly. This act is seen as a way to cleanse and purify oneself and to show respect to the elderly.

Another popular activity during the Khmer New Year is the building of sand pagodas. These intricate structures are crafted by hand and serve as temporary places of worship. People gather around the pagodas to offer prayers and make offerings.

Dancing and music play a significant role in the festivities. The traditional dance known as “Robam Tep Apsara” is performed by both amateurs and professionals, showcasing the grace and beauty of Khmer culture. Traditional games, such as “Chol Chhoung” and “Bos Angkunh,” are also played, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Food and Cuisine

No celebration is complete without delicious food, and the Khmer New Year is no exception. Cambodians indulge in a variety of traditional dishes during this time. One popular dish is “Kralan,” a sticky rice cake cooked in bamboo tubes. Another favorite is “Num Ansom Chek,” a banana leaf-wrapped sticky rice cake filled with sweet or savory ingredients.

Other festive delicacies include “Trey Chean,” a fish soup, and “Samlor Korko,” a vegetable stew. These dishes are prepared with love and care, using fresh ingredients that reflect the abundance of the harvest season.

The Khmer New Year is a time of vibrant celebration and deep cultural significance for the people of Cambodia. It is a time to honor traditions, connect with loved ones, and embrace the spirit of renewal. Through traditional customs, activities, and delicious cuisine, Cambodians come together to welcome the new year with joy, gratitude, and hope for a prosperous future.

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Khmer New Year

Author(s): Leng Lim, Secretary of Board of Directors of Khmer Community, Seattle, WA

Community Reviewer(s): Paularita Seng

Date Authored: April 19, 2002

Date Last Reviewed: April 23, 2008

Note: ‘Khmer’ and ‘Cambodian’

When seeing or hearing the word “Khmer” such as Khmer New Year, Khmer Community, or Khmer Temple, many people are not familiar with the word and they ask what “Khmer” is?   In practice, the two words, “Khmer” and “Cambodian”, can be used to replace each other. For example, one might say Khmer New Year or Cambodian New Year; Khmer People or Cambodian People.  The exception is when talking about “Khmer Rouge” (it is  not  correct to use the word Cambodian instead of Khmer in this case).  (For information about the Khmer Rouge see:  Cambodian Cultural Profile )

The word “Kampuchea” means a country of Khmer people.  Kampuchea can be translated as “Khmer country”. The French call Kampuchea “Le Cambodge”; the Khmer male is called “Le Cambodgien”; and the Khmer female is called “La Cambodgienne”.  A bit different from French, the English name for the country is “Cambodia” and the Khmer people are called “Cambodian.” However, the full definition of what is Khmer and what is Cambodian remains a large topic of discussion among Khmer or Cambodian intellectuals.

In Cambodia, Khmer New Year is the greatest traditional festival, and also the greatest national holiday.  It is three days of festival and sometimes can be four days. Khmer New Year begins on April 13th or can begin on April 14th, depending on the “MohaSangkran,” which is the ancient horoscope. In fact, Khmer New Year originally began on the first day of the first month in the lunar calendar, which can be in November or the beginning of December. In the Angkor Era, the 13th Century, the Khmer King, either Suriyavaraman II or Jayavaraman VII, changed the New Year to the fifth month of the lunar calendar, in April by the solar calendar. 95% of Khmer population are farmers, and the period from November through March is the busiest season for Khmer farmers to reap or harvest the crops from the rice fields. Khmer people can find free time in April because there is no rain, and it is very hot, so Khmer farmers have the time to take vacation after they have worked very hard to gather the rice crops from their fields to get their income. Therefore, April is the right time for Khmer in Cambodia to celebrate New Year.

The Khmer New Year festival originated from Bramhmanism, a part of Hinduism, which was a religion that Khmer believed in before Buddhism. Later on, Buddhism became associated with the festival and then took all the important roles in the festivity.

Usually, Khmer New Year is celebrated for three days:

The first day of New Year is called Moha Sangkran, and it can be described simply as the inauguration of the New Angels who come to take care of the world for a one-year period. The leader of Angels is named “KimiteaTevi. People need to clean and decorate the house and also prepare fruits and drinks for the New Year inauguration and to welcome the New Angels at every single home. 

Elderly people like to meditate or pray the Dharma at that time because they believe that any angel who comes to their houses at that time will stay with them and take care of their family for the whole year. Actually, in the morning of the first day of New Year, most Khmer people prepare food to offer the monks at Khmer temple to get blessed. It is a great time for boys and girls to play traditional games together at the temple or any field or playground in their village because it is only at the New Year time that boys and girls are allowed to play or get together socially. Also it is a wonderful time for single people to search for the special partner to get married to in the future. In the past several decades, “dating” did not exist in Cambodia.

The second day of New Year is called Wanabot, which means day of offering gifts to the parents, grandparents and elders. Usually, Khmer People like to share gifts or presents to employees and also donate money or clothes to poor people. In the evening, people go to temple to build a mountain of sand and ask the monks to give them a blessing of happiness and peace.

The third day is called day of “Leung Sakk;” that means the year starts to be counted up from this day, for example it is when the year of 2000 would change and begin to be 2001.  Traditionally, in the morning, people would go to the temple to perform the ceremony of the mountain of sand to get blessed. In the evening, to complete the New Year festival, Khmer people need to perform the last ceremony, called “Pithi Srang Preah”, which means giving a special bath or a special shower to Buddha statues, the monks, elders, parents and grandparents in order to apologize for any mistake done to them and to gratify them. Everyone has a wonderful time during this ceremony because it is a great opportunity for everyone, young and old, man and woman, to have much fun by spreading out water to each other.

Khmer New Year is not just the great traditional festival for Cambodians, it can allow Cambodians to build up many unforgettable souvenirs and memories.

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Khmer New Year

Khmer New Year, also known as “Choul Chnam Thmey,” meaning entering the new year, is a national holiday hosted by Cambodians annually. It is the season when Cambodians have free time from harvesting rice and other agricultural commodities. The event is Cambodia’s largest event and lasts three days, on the 13th, 14th, or 15th of April (in a specific year, it could be on the 14th to 16th of April).

Cambodian New Year is celebrated just like other Asian New Year Festivals that blend history with religious practices, emphasizing and commemorating the seniors and ancestors. While there are merriments with traditional meals and beverages, the three days are packed with Buddhist compliance centered on performing gratitude, sending offerings to deceased family members, and contributing to those in need. The following preparations are exclusively made for the Khmer New Year.

Day 1: Maha Songkran 

People clean their houses, and every single corner is checked. Each household displays flowers, lighting, delightful foods, fresh produce, traditional Khmer cuisines, and canned beverages for the interior altar and the spirit palace. Generally, the spirit palace stands outside a roofed shrine; it rests on a pedestal in front of a Cambodian’s house. Most Cambodians believe that this palace stands for the family’s protecting spirit.

On the first day of the Khmer New Year, it is known as Sankranti or Moha Sangkrant in Khmer. Cambodians embellish their houses with plentiful decorations and brilliant illumination for this special event. More importantly, the common preparation may include a water basin with flowers, usually jasmine, 5 incense, 5 candles, sticks, flowers, desserts, fruits, drinks, and other items of choice.

At the designated hour for the angel of the year, people will then pay tribute in their houses by burning candles and incense, praying the angel will bless them with happiness, prosperity, and serenity during the year. According to the legends, on Moha Sangkran, there are seven different angels, and the one who presents for each year is determined by the day of the week. On top of that, some families also pray the Dharma on the first day to greet the angel into their house; meanwhile, the culinary is also prepared and brought to the local pagoda or Khmer temple for the monks.

Day 2: Virak Vanabat  

The second day of the Khmer New Year is called “Virak Vanabat” in Khmer. Locals visit the Buddhist pagodas to present refreshments, desserts, fruits, and flowers to the monks. Likewise, Cambodian families always gather at temples to commemorate their ancestors. Furthermore, they donate money, food, and stuff to the underprivileged based on what they can afford. Other fun activities include:

• Playing Khmer traditional games, such as tossing the towel known as “Chol Chhoung.”
• Scarf Hidden Game is called “Leak Kon Saeng.”
• Catching the baby hawk meant “Chab Kon Kleng.”
• Tugging Game or “Teanh Proat.”
• Bos AngKunh 
• Dancing and singing happy-classical Khmer songs at pagodas and other locations across the country.

Day 3: Vearak Loeng Sak 

On the third day or Virak Loeng Sak, Cambodians use holy fragrant water to cleanse Buddha statues and their elders. Bathing the Buddha statues is a ceremonial ritual that locals believe washes away the sadness, sorrow, and sinful behaviors, replicating how clean water can wash the dirty things. This aspect is also regarded as a genuine act that will grant blessing, contentment, and wealth in life. Furthermore, by washing their elderly family members, including parents, grandparents, and elders, the children may acquire great joy, wishes, and tremendous direction for the year ahead. It is also the concluding day of the Khmer New Year celebration.

The Year’s Biggest Event in Cambodian Tradition 

Paying tributes to the deceased during Khmer New Year became an even more prominent event after the Khmer Rouge rule, which is historically one of the most notorious human genocides. As a result, Khmer New Year is a great way to realize the importance of the new year celebration, civilization, heritage, customs, and beliefs. Here are three things you should know about this significant event that will undoubtedly urge you to visit Cambodia as soon as possible.

1. In April, It Is ideal. 

Early on, Khmer New Year was held on the first lunar month, often in November or December. Nevertheless, during the Angkor Era in the 13th century, the Khmer King modified the date of the new era, which coincided with the fifth Khmer month of the lunar calendar, designing the new date of April. Thus, the Khmer new year marks the harvesting period’s conclusion but occurs before the rainy season. As it turns out, this alteration has become handy for then and now, since November to March is the peak season for farmers.

2. It Is The Feast Season! 

During the three days of the New Year, families always prepare delicious traditional food–not just for those still living and feasting, but also as honors to their forebears.

For instance, “Nom Ansom” is one of the most cherished foods and is often served as a sweet sticky rice dessert, but it can be extra savory when cooked with banana or bacon. In addition, the bacon version may include nuts and salted egg filling. Another iconic food is “Khmer curry,” made with numerous herbal ingredients. This common dish can be seen at the majority of traditional Khmer events.

“Khmer Fish Amok” is also a prevalent recipe served and offered during the New Year. Besides, you can find other awe-inspiring foods such as “Kralan,” a tasty glutinous rice cake made with coconut milk and nuts that are packed inside bamboo pieces, steamed and then roasted, and “Ya Hon,” a popular Khmer hot pot.  

3. Traditional Games, Competitions, And World Records. 

Cambodians can be very creative when they have three days, perhaps four, to occupy themselves with events. Kids, grown-ups, and even seniors participate in the festival activities, including games, competitions, and world records. For example, Cambodia won the world record for “Nom Ansom,” the biggest sticky rice cake ever created in Siem Reap. The heaviest one was 8,906 pounds and 10 ounces. While Khmer New Year has an earnest ambiance, it is a joyous celebration with families, friends, and the whole nation. The final day of the New Year is packed with vibing, fireworks, and street parties throughout Cambodia. Every corner of the country and Khmer people all over the globe put their own twist on this special holiday, making each celebration distinctive in its manner.

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Pchum Ben Day or Ancestor Day

Pchum Ben, also known as Ancestor’s Day, is a half-month period (fifteen days: from one Roach to fifteen Roach) of remembrance for dead family members, which traditionally begins between September and October (the tenth month of the Khmer Calendar). Pchum Ben is believed to be a time when the souls of our ancestors that passed away may come back to us. The course of their journey will be decided by their karma and by the offerings made by their living relatives during Pchum Ben.

Visak Bochea

“Visak Bochea Day” is a day to commemorate the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death. It is a day to dedicate to his Dharma principles and adopt them into your everyday lives.​

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Khmer new year in cambodia

• Published: October 24, 2022
• Updated: October 24, 2022
• University / College: The Open University
• Language: English
• Downloads: 42

Khmer New Year in Cambodia Khmer New Year, or ‘ Bon Chol Chhnam Thmei’ in the Khmer language, is the greatest traditional festival and national holiday in Cambodia, and the celebration last for three days. Khmer New year starts on April the 13th, 14th or 15th depending on the ancient horoscope “ Maha Sangkran”, 2012 it starts on the 13 of April. The majority of the Cambodians are still farmers and Khmer New Year marks the end of the harvest season when farmers enjoy the fruits of their labor and relax before the start of the rainy season.

In the villages the people engage in traditional Khmer games, they play games such as the Bas Angkunh ‘ seed throwing’, Chaol Chhoung ‘ twisted-scarf throwing’, Leak Kanseng ‘ twisted-scarf hide’ and dance to traditional Khmer songs. The first day of Khmer New Year is called “ Maha Sangkran”, Sangkran means movement and refers to that the sun is moving into a new Zodiac sign and Maha means great. Some say that Maha Sangkran means welcome to the new spirits. In the morning the Cambodians will go to the temple and offerfoodto the monks and receive blessings.

During this time the Cambodians clean and decorate their homes and prepare fruits and drinks on a table or in their spirit house to welcome the new spirits. Elderly people like to meditate or pray the Dharma because they believe that any spirit that comes to their home will stay with them throughout the whole year and take care of theirfamily. The second day is called “ Wanabot” and it is the day that they offer gifts to parents, grandparents and elders.

In the evening of this day many Cambodians will go to the temple and build a mountain of sand to remember their ancestors who have passed away and have the monks give them blessings ofhappinessand peace. The third day is called “ Leung Sakk” and this is the first day of the new year. In the morning the Cambodians go to the temple and perform a ceremony where the mountain of sand gets blessed. The last ceremony is called “ Pithi Srang Preah” and the purpose of this ceremony is to honor and to give a special cleansing to Buddha Statues, the monks, elders, grandparents and parents.

During this ceremony the participators apologize for any mistakes they have made during the last year. The Khmer New Year is not only a great festival it is also an opportunity to pass on the Cambodian traditions to the next generation. The History of Khmer New Year Posted on April 10, 2009 by Chanroeun Pa| 4 Comments ?????????????????????????????? In ancient countries of Chompou Tvip (the central continent of the seven continents surrounding Mount Meru) the elder people adopted the Khmer New Year’s date in Khe Mikase (January), i. e. he early year. According to the lunar calendar, they formerly chose three seasons including Heman Radov or winter, Kimha Radov ir hot season and Vasan Radov or rainy season. Since Chol Sakarach (Lesser Era) they have formally adopted the solar calendar and held the Khmer New Year Festival in Khe Chet (fifth month) that is a free time from their farming. Four main seasons in the solar calendar contain winter, spring, summer and autumn. The Khmer people have adopted the fifth solar month, known as Khe Chet, to celebrate their New Year festival.

Usually, according to the solar calendar, the Khmer New Year falls on the 13th of April although sometimes it falls on the 14th of April. The auspicious occasion of the Khmer New Year is detailed in the astrological almanac and extends over three days. The first day is known as Maha Sangkran or “ Great Almanac Day”, the second day is called Veara Vanabath or “ Worshipping Day”, and the third day is known as Veara Leung Sak or “ Rank and Promotion Day”. Of the three days Veara Leung Sak is considered the most auspicious.

The history of the Khmer New Year is closely connected to the seven signs of the zodiac for the week. The legend of the New Year is detailed in the Almanac which says: In ancient, happier times, a young man by the name of Thoamabal, the son of a tycoon, had an extensive knowledge of three Vedas (ancient books on Hinduism) by the age of seven. Thoamabal’s father built a temple under the spread of a large Chrey tree (a fig tree) on the banks of a river that was home to many species of birds. He had an innate ability that enabled him to understand the languages of birds. Thoamabal’s attributes allowed him to become a layman in charge of religious ceremonies for all classes of people. Upon hearing this news another religious leader Kabel Maha Prohm, decided to challenge Thoamabal with tree riddles. He vowed that if Thaomabal could successfully answer the riddles he, Kabel Maha Prohm, would be beheaded; however if Thoamabal could not answer the riddles correctly then it would be Thoamabal who would be beheaded. Thoamabal insisted on having seven days to answer the puzzling enigma until Kabel Maha Prohm agreed.

For six days Thoamabal could not solve the problems and knew that he faced the prospect of being killed by Kabel Maha Prohm the next morning. He therefore decided to hide himself and let his life fade away by natural causes. He hid himself beneath a pair of sugar palm trees in which a pair of eagles were nesting, that night Thoamabal overheard the eagles talking. The female asked, “ What will we eat tomorrow morning? ” The male eagle replied, “ We will eat the flesh of Thoamalobal because tomorrow he is going to be beheaded by Kabie Maha Prohm due to his inability to solve the riddles”.

The female then asked, “ What are the riddles? ” The male answered, “ The first riddle is, where is luck to be found in the mornine? ” Of course the answer is that luck is on the face because people always take water to wash their faces. The second riddle asked, where is luck located at noon? It is on the chest because people always take water to wash their chests. Finally, the third question asked, where is luck located in the evening? The answer is that luck is on the feet because people always wash their feet in the evening.

Thoamabal overheard all of the conversation and so happily returned to his temple. In the morning Kabel Maha Prohm came to ask Thoamabal if he could answer the three riddles. Thoamabal successfully answered each of the riddles. Kabel Maha Prohm realixing he had failed, called his seven daughters, who were maids of Branma, to learn of his fate. Kabal Maha Prohm said, “ Your father is foing to be beheaded in front of Thoamabal. If my head is set on the earth , if will set fire to Earth, if my head is thrown into the air, the rain will evaporate, if my head is thrown into the sea, the sea will dry up.

Therefore I ask you, my seven daughters to get a holy metal tray on which to set your father’s head”. Having said this, he beheaded himself and his head was passed to Neang Toungsa, the eldest of his daughters. She placed her father’s head on the holy tray and then proceeded to walk around Mount Meru for one hour, respectfully keeping the tray on her right hand. She then took the tray to the temporary sanctuary of Phnom Kailas. At Phnom Kailas, Preah Visakam created a hall where seven holy glasses (Pheakabatei Saphea) were set. The glasses were for use by angels during ceremonies.

Each year the seven angels took turns to invoke the head of Kabel Maha Prohm to and complete a holy procession around Mount Meru. Following the holy procession the angels returned to their heaven. The Seven Angels of the Almanac: If the annual procession talls on a Sunday then the day will be known as Toungsa, Monday is Kooreak, Tuesday is called Reaksa, Wednesday is  Kereney, Friday is known as Kemera and Saturday is Mahaotra. During the Khmer New Year Festival, youths gather to play popular traditional games such as Chaol Chhoung (throwing a ball) and Bas Angkunh (throwing brown seeds).

The youths are normally divided into female and male teams to play these games. In some parts of Cambodia, e. g. Siem Reap and Battambang, they play a game known as the “ Trot Dance”. Trot performers dance and ask for alms from house to house in their village. A man will ride on a long curved stick with a deer’s head on one side and with a cluster of grass on the other side like the deer’s tail. Two men pretend to be hunters and are armed with a crossbow. When they receive alms they will donate it for the benefit of the local pagoda.

In villages along the Mekong Riverinthe province of Kandal women gather to rowboats in front of the pagodas. This action is believed to appease the crocodiles. This custom originated long ago when many crocodiles lived in the river. In some villages, people trample on effigies to appease the ghosts that live in the trees near the pagodas and ask for happiness in the coming year. The Khmer people will gather together and visit pagodas and temples on the occasion of the Khmer New year. Each year many residents from other provinces visit Angkor Wat to worship to the powerful gods and trace their ancestors’ heritage.

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Khmer New Year in Cambodia Khmer New Year, or ‘Bon Chol Chhnam Thmei’ in the Khmer language, is the greatest traditional festival and national holiday in Cambodia, and the celebration last for three days. Khmer New year starts on April the 13th, 14th or 15th depending on the ancient horoscope “Maha Sangkran”, 2012 it starts on the 13 of April. The majority of the Cambodians are still farmers and Khmer New Year marks the end of the harvest season when farmers enjoy the fruits of their labor and relax before the start of the rainy season.In the villages the people engage in traditional Khmer games, they play games such as the Bas Angkunh ‘seed throwing’, Chaol Chhoung ‘twisted-scarf throwing’, Leak Kanseng ‘twisted-scarf hide’ and dance to traditional Khmer songs.

The first day of Khmer New Year is called “Maha Sangkran”, Sangkran means movement and refers to that the sun is moving into a new Zodiac sign and Maha means great. Some say that Maha Sangkran means welcome to the new spirits. In the morning the Cambodians will go to the temple and offer food to the monks and receive blessings.During this time the Cambodians clean and decorate their homes and prepare fruits and drinks on a table or in their spirit house to welcome the new spirits. Elderly people like to meditate or pray the Dharma because they believe that any spirit that comes to their home will stay with them throughout the whole year and take care of their family.

The second day is called “Wanabot” and it is the day that they offer gifts to parents, grandparents and elders.In the evening of this day many Cambodians will go to the temple and build a mountain of sand to remember their ancestors who have passed away and have the monks give them blessings of happiness and peace. The third day is called “Leung Sakk” and this is the first day of the new year. In the morning the Cambodians go to the temple and perform a ceremony where the mountain of sand gets blessed. The last ceremony is called “Pithi Srang Preah” and the purpose of this ceremony is to honor and to give a special cleansing to Buddha Statues, the monks, elders, grandparents and parents.

During this ceremony the participators apologize for any mistakes they have made during the last year. The Khmer New Year is not only a great festival it is also an opportunity to pass on the Cambodian traditions to the next generation. The History of Khmer New Year Posted on April 10, 2009 by Chanroeun Pa| 4 Comments ?????????????????????????????? In ancient countries of Chompou Tvip (the central continent of the seven continents surrounding Mount Meru) the elder people adopted the Khmer New Year’s date in Khe Mikase (January), i. e. he early year.

According to the lunar calendar, they formerly chose three seasons including Heman Radov or winter, Kimha Radov ir hot season and Vasan Radov or rainy season. Since Chol Sakarach (Lesser Era) they have formally adopted the solar calendar and held the Khmer New Year Festival in Khe Chet (fifth month) that is a free time from their farming. Four main seasons in the solar calendar contain winter, spring, summer and autumn. The Khmer people have adopted the fifth solar month, known as Khe Chet, to celebrate their New Year festival.Usually, according to the solar calendar, the Khmer New Year falls on the 13th of April although sometimes it falls on the 14th of April.

The auspicious occasion of the Khmer New Year is detailed in the astrological almanac and extends over three days. The first day is known as Maha Sangkran or “Great Almanac Day”, the second day is called Veara Vanabath or “Worshipping Day”, and the third day is known as Veara Leung Sak or “Rank and Promotion Day”. Of the three days Veara Leung Sak is considered the most auspicious.The history of the Khmer New Year is closely connected to the seven signs of the zodiac for the week. The legend of the New Year is detailed in the Almanac which says: In ancient, happier times, a young man by the name of Thoamabal, the son of a tycoon, had an extensive knowledge of three Vedas (ancient books on Hinduism) by the age of seven. Thoamabal’s father built a temple under the spread of a large Chrey tree (a fig tree) on the banks of a river that was home to many species of birds.

He had an innate ability that enabled him to understand the languages of birds. Thoamabal’s attributes allowed him to become a layman in charge of religious ceremonies for all classes of people. Upon hearing this news another religious leader Kabel Maha Prohm, decided to challenge Thoamabal with tree riddles. He vowed that if Thaomabal could successfully answer the riddles he, Kabel Maha Prohm, would be beheaded; however if Thoamabal could not answer the riddles correctly then it would be Thoamabal who would be beheaded. Thoamabal insisted on having seven days to answer the puzzling enigma until Kabel Maha Prohm agreed.For six days Thoamabal could not solve the problems and knew that he faced the prospect of being killed by Kabel Maha Prohm the next morning.

He therefore decided to hide himself and let his life fade away by natural causes. He hid himself beneath a pair of sugar palm trees in which a pair of eagles were nesting, that night Thoamabal overheard the eagles talking. The female asked, “What will we eat tomorrow morning? ” The male eagle replied, “We will eat the flesh of Thoamalobal because tomorrow he is going to be beheaded by Kabie Maha Prohm due to his inability to solve the riddles”.The female then asked, “What are the riddles? ” The male answered, “The first riddle is, where is luck to be found in the mornine? ” Of course the answer is that luck is on the face because people always take water to wash their faces. The second riddle asked, where is luck located at noon? It is on the chest because people always take water to wash their chests.

Finally, the third question asked, where is luck located in the evening? The answer is that luck is on the feet because people always wash their feet in the evening.Thoamabal overheard all of the conversation and so happily returned to his temple. In the morning Kabel Maha Prohm came to ask Thoamabal if he could answer the three riddles. Thoamabal successfully answered each of the riddles.

Kabel Maha Prohm realixing he had failed, called his seven daughters, who were maids of Branma, to learn of his fate. Kabal Maha Prohm said, “Your father is foing to be beheaded in front of Thoamabal. If my head is set on the earth , if will set fire to Earth, if my head is thrown into the air, the rain will evaporate, if my head is thrown into the sea, the sea will dry up.Therefore I ask you, my seven daughters to get a holy metal tray on which to set your father’s head”. Having said this, he beheaded himself and his head was passed to Neang Toungsa, the eldest of his daughters.

She placed her father’s head on the holy tray and then proceeded to walk around Mount Meru for one hour, respectfully keeping the tray on her right hand. She then took the tray to the temporary sanctuary of Phnom Kailas. At Phnom Kailas, Preah Visakam created a hall where seven holy glasses (Pheakabatei Saphea) were set. The glasses were for use by angels during ceremonies.Each year the seven angels took turns to invoke the head of Kabel Maha Prohm to and complete a holy procession around Mount Meru.

Following the holy procession the angels returned to their heaven. The Seven Angels of the Almanac: If the annual procession talls on a Sunday then the day will be known as Toungsa, Monday is Kooreak, Tuesday is called Reaksa, Wednesday is  Kereney, Friday is known as Kemera and Saturday is Mahaotra. During the Khmer New Year Festival, youths gather to play popular traditional games such as Chaol Chhoung (throwing a ball) and Bas Angkunh (throwing brown seeds).The youths are normally divided into female and male teams to play these games. In some parts of Cambodia, e.

g. Siem Reap and Battambang, they play a game known as the “Trot Dance”. Trot performers dance and ask for alms from house to house in their village. A man will ride on a long curved stick with a deer’s head on one side and with a cluster of grass on the other side like the deer’s tail.

Two men pretend to be hunters and are armed with a crossbow. When they receive alms they will donate it for the benefit of the local pagoda.In villages along the Mekong Riverinthe province of Kandal women gather to rowboats in front of the pagodas. This action is believed to appease the crocodiles. This custom originated long ago when many crocodiles lived in the river.

In some villages, people trample on effigies to appease the ghosts that live in the trees near the pagodas and ask for happiness in the coming year. The Khmer people will gather together and visit pagodas and temples on the occasion of the Khmer New year. Each year many residents from other provinces visit Angkor Wat to worship to the powerful gods and trace their ancestors’ heritage.

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Khmer New Year

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Maha Songkran, is the name of the first day of the new year celebration. It is believed that on this day God’s angels come to earth to take care of its creation. To welcome these holy angels, every family prepares a lot of good things to welcome new god, farewell the old god. On the altar, they present 5 flower branches, 5 candles, 5 incense, 5 cereal seeds, a bowl of scented water, eatables, drinks and fruit crops. They pray for health and luck in the New Year. This is the first day of calendar procession ceremony. Major activities are bathing, dressing nice, bringing sacrifice gifts to the pagoda in good time which has been selected.

Virak Wanabat is the name of the second day of the New Year celebration. People contribute charity to the less fortunate by helping the poor, servants, homeless, and low-income families. Families attend a dedication ceremony to their ancestors at the monastery. In the evening of this day many Cambodians will go to the pagoda and build a mountain of sand to remember their ancestors who have passed away and have the monks give them blessings of happiness and peace. T’ngai Leang Sakk is the name of the third day of the New Year celebration.

Buddhists cleanse the Buddha statues and their elders with perfumed water. Bathing the Buddha images is the symbol that water will be needed for all kinds of plants and lives. It is also thought to be a kind deed that will bring longevity, good luck, happiness and prosperity in life. By bathing their grandparents and parents, children can obtain from them best wishes and good advice for the future. On New Year day, Cambodians also played our Traditional games. Chol Chhoung, a game played especially on the first nightfall of the Khmer New Year by two groups of boys and girls.

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Ten or 20 people comprise each group, standing in two rows opposite each other. One group throws the “chhoung” to the other group. When it is caught, it will be rapidly thrown back to the first group. If someone is hit by the “chhoung,” the whole group must dance to get the “chhoung” back while the other group sings to the dance. Chab Kon Kleng, A game played by imitating a hen as she protects her chicks from a crow. Participants usually appoint a strong player to play the hen who protects “her” chicks, while another person is picked to be the “crow”.

While both sides sing a song of bargaining, the crow tries to catch as many chicks as possible as they hide behind the hen. Leak Kanseng, A game played by a group of people sitting in a circle. Someone holding a “kanseng” that is twisted into a round shape walks around the circle while singing a song. The person walking secretly tries to place the “kanseng” behind one of the people. If that chosen person realizes what is happening, he or she must pick up the “kanseng” and beat the person sitting next to him or her. Bos Angkunh, this game is played by the groups of boys and girls.

The groups take the Angkunh, which are now called kery for the purpose of the game, and place three to five on the ground. These are called the “planting kery”. Each group then takes more of the Angkunh and throws these “hitting kery” at the planting kery, trying to hit them. The group that hits the least planting kerys loses, and the other team then gets to hit them on the knee with kerys. There are two ways of doing this. Bai trachheak (cold rice) means the winner puts one kery on the opponent’s knee and hits with another one.

Bai kdav means they put two kerys together as before but harder so it makes a cracking sound. If no sound is created, the person being hit is allowed to do the same back to the person who has failed to produce the sound. In Conclusion, New Year is the most perfect time for Cambodian, it can entertain people to relax their mind from a whole year of stressful tasks. All of family’s members or relative also meet each other during this time, they can enjoy the happiest all together. The Khmer New Year is not only a great festival it is also an opportunity to pass on

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Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Khmer happy new year, 8 comments:.

thanks for your English eassay Writing. Goodbye see you agian.

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After Years of Searching, Cambodia Celebrates the Return of Its ‘Gods’

Decades after they were looted, artifacts reclaimed from museums and collections around the world were welcomed home in a lavish ceremony and museum display.

Supported by

By Tom Mashberg

Tom Mashberg has been covering the return of looted artifacts to Cambodia for more than a decade.

• Aug. 30, 2024

Amid the stone sculptures of Hindu demons, mythological temple guardians and Buddhist divinities, Cambodian officials this month recognized the success of lengthy years of repatriation efforts with a ceremony at the prime minister’s office in Phnom Penh. In a room filled with artifacts, officials formally welcomed the return of statues and other objects stolen from sites where the Khmer people, centuries ago, had once honored their kings and deities.

Many Cambodians believe the statues are divine or contain the souls of their Khmer ancestors. Hundreds had ended up in museums and other collections around the world.

After years of research and diplomacy, Cambodian officials, aided at times by U.S. investigators, convinced museums and wealthy collectors in 15 countries that the artifacts in their galleries and homes had been taken illegally, often from remote jungle sites. All told, since 2012, more than 200 relics have been repatriated.

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