CULTURE

 The culture of Cambodia is one so interesting that individuals from the world over travel to the Kingdom’s shores for a taste of it all. From the temples, to the historical sites, to the soft smiles on the faces of young monks, there is just so much to see, feel, and experience here in Cambodia. 

Religion and traditional beliefs

Religion in Cambodia is believed to have been largely influenced by the oceanic merchants who sailed through the Gulf of Thailand on their way through to China. It is thought that the Indian culture was such introduced to the land, until it’s religious beliefs were first assimilated by the then Funan Kingdom.

Buddhism

As such, there is a very large Buddhist following within the country, as there is in the whole of South East Asia. About 90 per cent of the Cambodian population are Theravada Buddhists. It is a tolerant, non-prescriptive religion that doesn’t necessitate a belief in a supreme being.

Hindu

Hindu found it’s way into Cambodia around the same time that Buddhism did. It was, and still is, one of the official religions of the state. Angkor Wat, is in fact a Hindu temple – the largest in the whole world!

Islam

Islam is another official religion of the Kingdom. The numbers of practicing Muslims were decimated during the Khmer Rouge to the point of unifying the straits of religious sects. Today, there is still a strong portion of the country who make their way to Malaysia to study the Qurán, and also some that make the pilgrimage to Mecca.

Christianity

Christianity is an almost non-existent religion in the country. Small missionary centres in Battambang and Siem Riep converted around 2000 people in the early 1960’s.

While the country is most prominently Buddhist, the practices, architecture, and the integrity of those practicing alternate religions are well respected in Cambodia. The very tolerant and accepting nature of Buddhism is to be given the credit for this. 

 

Arts & Architecture

Throughout Cambodia’s eventful, and at point’s turbulent history, religious principles have guided and inspired the arts.

The unique Khmer style that can be witnessed at the wats and museums are the result of an amalgamation of the indigenous animistic beliefs and the once Indian religion of Buddhism. The thousands of years since this initial melting pot of cultures has produced truly beautiful art and architecture.

When viewing a sculpture, or art piece, the underlying religious principles are extremely evident. The pieces carry a certain grace and beauty, an acceptance and poise – all of which are so valued by the Cambodian people.

There are many examples of Khmer sculpture throughout the country. The style is entrancing and soothing. You will often see Hindu deities depicted with expert style and ability. Take the time to really take them in!

The houses of ancient Khmer vary very little from the houses that you may find in the villages of modern Cambodia. Houses were very elevated off the ground and built largely from wood. The walls were made from bamboo, and the roof covered with thatched leaves or coconut palms. 

 

Interestingly, as the case in the Western world, architecture and decoration indicates social standing. In today’s age, impressive structures are more an indication of wealth than of political or social power. However, the various homes in the rural parts of Cambodia are linked with the social standing of the families. Dignitaries homes were bigger, built of stronger wood, and had tiles on their roofs. Rather than simply being beyond the budget of a laymen, creating homes that resembled those of a class beyond one’s own was thought inconceivable by the very nature of its incompatibility with one’s own social standing. 

 

 

 

Traditional dress

Having traditional attire that is used so frequently really is a special thing. Far from the once a year adornment of the Scottish Kilt for a wedding, the traditional attire of Cambodia is throughout the year. Special, occasion based outfits will be seen several times a year, and will be hard to miss with the bright colors and intricate designs. Much of the traditional wear is made from golden silk, crafted with patterns and designs unique to Cambodia.

Beyond the elegant and colorful traditional outfits, there a are a handful of things that people wear on a day to day basis – some with such usability, you’ll be unimpressed with the singular function of your jeans. A Krama is a thin towel-sized piece of fabric, more practical than a Leatherman. They are often wrapped around people’s heads for protection from the sun, are used as a sarong, and are used to carry things in. They are even utilized as a fashion accessory! Ha! How different things can be. 

 

KRAMA ( ក្រមា )

 

The Sampot is the national garment of the Kingdom. It is a form of sarong that is worn by men and women who are the envy of every ill-equipped, sweaty and uncomfortable traveler. 

 

 

Traditional dance

Dance is a revered art form in Cambodia. It is said that Cambodia was created between a king and a heavenly dancer. As you can well imagine, dance is popular in the Kingdom. You will often see dancers plastered onto big posters, you will see it happening in the streets, in plays, and even on the walls of Angkor Wat.

There are three kinds of dances in the country. Folk, sacred, and classical. Of the three, classical dance is the most prevalent in the country today. The art-form must fight against the pressures of modern forms of entertainment and the decreased level of transmission of the tradition from generation to generation. 

 

Traditional food

Cambodian traditional cuisine is all about noodles, soups, curries, and a host of grilled and fried bits and pieces.

Cambodians are especially good at creating pastes of things. The combination of the fresh ingredients, and some mystical process (fair assumption) leads to the product being so much greater than the sum of its parts.

 Among the most popular of ingredients is fish paste, and prawn paste. You’ll find that whether you are ordering Fish Amok, or a grilled crab at the seaside, there’ll be some in, or some on your table! You’ll quickly become very happy about this.  

 

 

Traditional celebrations

Cambodia has so many, just so many incredible festivals that make a journey to the country for that alone a good idea. Among the most popular is the Khmer New Year. In the early days of April, three days of celebrations fill the streets of the big cities. People’s homes are incredibly decorated, and there is a look of hope and thankfulness written on each person’s face. There is also a good amount of talcum powder on their faces too.

The water festival is another special one. Be sure to be around Phnom Penh in late October for this one. Celebrate the turning of the tide in the Mekong River in the grandest of fashions, and everything that this makes possible for the Cambodian people.

Other important festivals include Independence Day, Pchum Ben, and Royal Ploughing Day. 

 

 

Conclusion

The culture of the country is incredibly rich and diverse, with so much to see you may not know where to look. A trip to the country will deepen your appreciation for the human condition, it’s incredible complexity, and the astounding variety of what is essentially the same thing repeated billions of times. Come to Cambodia, come see it all! 

REFERENCE: 12go.asia