Cambodia Culture

LANGUAGE IN CAMBODIA

The Culture of Cambodia has had a rich and varied history dating back many centuries. The majority of Cambodians (nearly 90%) are of Khmer heritage, and an even greater proportion speak the Khmer language, the official language of Cambodia. Other languages spoken include French, Chinese and Vietnamese, with English becoming increasingly important.

RELIGION IN CAMBODIA

Thearavada Buddhism is the official religion in Cambodia which is practiced by 95 percent of the population- just like that of Thailand, Burma, Sri Lanka. However, Christianity and Cham Muslim are being active and popular among a large number of population as well in the capital and provinces, showing a sign of growth. Daoism and Confuism are also commonly practiced among the Chinese people. 

CUSTOMS OF CAMBODIA

Customary Cambodian teachings include: that if a person does not wake up before sunrise he is lazy; you have to tell your parents or elders where you are going and what time you are coming back home; close doors gently, otherwise you have a bad temper; sit with your legs straight down and not crossed (crossing your legs shows that you are an impolite person); and always let other people talk more than you.

Khmer culture is very hierarchical. The greater a person's age, the greater the level of respect that must be granted to them. Everyone in Khmer culture is given a hierarchical title before the name - in some cases names are shortened with the title added before the name is given - which varies in relation to the person. In some cases elders are referred to by a family title even though there is no relation, out of respect to their seniority in life. Referring to someone by the improper title is a sign of disrespect and would be assumed as improper parenting or a lack of respect for elders.

Cambodians trad itionally wear a checkered scarf called a "Krama". The "kroma" is what distinctly separates the Khmer (Cambodians) from their neighbors the Thai, the Vietnamese, and the Laotians. The scarf is used for many purposes including for style, protection from the sun, as an aid (for your feet) when climbing trees, as a hammock for infants, as a towel, or as as a "sarong". A "krama" can also be easily shaped into a small child's doll for play. Under the Khmer Rouge, all Khmer were forced to wear a red checkered "krama".

In Khmer culture, it is taboo to touch, or point your feet at, a person's head, because the head is believed to contain the person's soul. It is considered to be extremely disrespectful to point your feet at a person, or sleep with your feet pointing at a person, as the feet are the lowest part of the body and are considered to be impure.

One traditional Khmer belief taught by monks is that there are three types of delusions or addictions which will lead to the self destruction of a man; women, alcohol, and gambling ("srey, srai, la-baing").

Almost all Khmer men and women wear a Buddha pendant in a necklace fashion. There are different pendants for different uses; some are meant for protection from evil spirits, some are meant to bring good luck.

KHMER WEDDING TRADITION
The legend of Preah Thaong and Neang Neak explains much of khmer wedding customs, in which the groom carries the brides's scarf, symbolizing he is from afar and is marrying into her family, in contradiction to indian wedding customs where the bride holds the groom's scarf, as the case for khmers the groom is whom stays with the bride's family. In accordance to Khmer Wedding Ritual, a wedding takes three days. The Bride and Groom wears garments decorated with jewelery and are surrounded by many including family. The Bride and Groom wear these garment as a sign of respects to their parents and parents in law, both the Bride and Groom's parent offer their blessing for the couples. They also prays to the monks for a happy life. However, most Khmers today, in Cambodia and forgein countries celebrates with both the traditional Khmer and western style weedings. Pictures of khmer weddings. 

MUSIC OF CAMBODIA
Especially in the 60s and 70s, the 'big two' duet of Sinn Sisamouth and Ros Sereysothear had been a large hit in the country. However after their sudden deaths, new music stars have tried to bring back the music. Cambodian music has undergone heavy westernization.

CUISINE OF CAMBODIA
Cambodian cuisine is similar to, but less spicy than, Thai cuisine. However, it also exhibits themes common to neighboring regions, including the use of curry in dishes as in Indian cuisine, or the use of noodles popular in Chinese cuisine. Indeed, the cuisine of Cambodia has even incorporated elements from French cuisine as a consequence of being a French protectorate.

DANCE OF CAMBODIA
Cambodian Dance comprises two main categories: classical dance and folk dance, each of which contain several dozen dances.Khmer classical dance, also known as Khmer royal ballet or Khmer court dance, is a form of Cambodia dance originally performed only for royalty. It is called robam preah reachea trop in the Khmer language, which means 'dances of royal wealth.'Folk dances refers to a performing art where it is performed for an audience. Khmer folk dances are fast-paced. The movements and gestures are not as stylized as Khmer classical dance.