Cambodian New Year Traditions

The Cambodian New Year is observed in other countries, including Australia, by many Cambodian immigrants. In Australia, at our centre, the celebration lasts for three days. Many of the same ceremonies and activities are planned for and participated in. This allows for those who fled their country to remember their culture and share it with their children.

1- HISTORICAL

The Cambodian New Year is one of the major celebrations in the Cambodian culture. It is based on the lunar calendar, and is celebrated in mid-April (ie.12 th -15 th), which is the first month of the year in Cambodia. This time of year also represents the end of the harvest. It is a time for farmers to enjoy the fruits of their harvest and relax before the rainy season begins.

2- CULTURAL

People clean and decorate their houses, as well as set up an altar to welcome the New Year Spirit (Tevada Chhnam Thmey) who is said to come down to earth at this time. A statue of the Buddha is put on the altar, also flowers, candles, incense, a bowl of scented water, food and drink, and banana leaves shaped into different figures.

Day one of the festival people visit their local monastery and offer food to the monks. A special sand mound is built in the grounds of the monasteries on this day. The mound is decorated with five religious flags, one on top of the mound and four around the sides.

Day two people gather with their families to wish each other a happy New Year and exchange gifts. They might also visit the monastery again to ask the monks to say a special prayer for their ancestors. This day is a day to show consideration to elders. Parents, grandparents, and teachers are given gifts from children out of respect. It is also a time to serve. Cambodians offer charity to the less fortunate, participate in service activities, and forgive others of misdeeds that may have been done to them. The people continue to add to their sand mountain.

Day three the Buddha statues of their homes and the monasteries are washed. It is said this ensures good rains during the coming year. Children wash the feet of their parents as sign of respect on this day as well. The people wash their statues with perfumed water. It is thought to be a kind deed that will bring good luck, long life and happiness.

3- GAMES

Special games such as the Tug-Of-War, Angkunh and Boh Choong are played at the monasteries on each day of the festival. Throughout the day one of the New Year the people participate in ceremonies and games. One of these activities is the building of a small sand mountain.

4- FOOD

The people bring food for the monks and pray with them. There is a feast of traditional foods such as peanut curries, noodles and tree mushrooms.

5- CLOTHES

People buy silk to make new clothes. The men and boys wear black pants with white rounded-neck shirts, while the women and girls wear skirts with colorful, decorated robes.

6- SYMBOLS

1. The clean house and new clothes represent a new beginning.

2. Washing the Buddha statues ensures good rain during the coming year. It is also mean a kind deed that will bring good luck, long life, and happiness.

3. Each piece of sand that is added to a small sand mound is believed to produce more health and happiness in their lives.