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CAMBODIAN NEW YEAR TALK
in SCHOOL by Laurie Fenton

Cambodia is located in Southeast Asia. On some maps it is referred to as Kampuchea. It is mostly flat land with a few mountains. The largest river is the Mekong River. The largest lake is the Tonle Sap which means "Great Lake." About half of Cambodia is covered with tropical forests. The forests are filled with many different trees such as teakwood and rosewood. Cambodia is an agricultural country, with rice being the main crop grown. The capital in Phnom Penh and Khmer is the official language. Khmer has the largest alphabet in the world.

To say hello is Choom ree-up SOO ah with palms together.
Show Cambodia on the map. It is close to the equator so it is very hot there. What is the difference between our weather & theirs?
Show Alphabet Book or sheet of letters.

Most of the Cambodian people are Khmer and live in small villages where they farm. Most rural homes are built on stilts to keep them above the heavy rains that fall from May until October. Those heavy rains can cause flooding.

People from other countries often have different customs than we do. Just because they are different does not mean they are wrong. People are different all around the world and that is what makes it so interesting. Some of the Cambodian people's customs that are different than ours include not touching a person's head, as the Buddhists believe that the soul resides in the head. A kiss is not done with the lips, but is a sniff. Birthdays are generally not celebrated.

The main religion is Buddhism, which is following the teachings of a man called the Buddha. Buddha means enlightened one. Buddhists believe that one can be freed from the pain & suffering of the world through righteous thinking & living. Many families have small altars in their homes to pray to Buddha & their ancestors, who are relatives who have died.

Show spirit house & talk about the offerings left to benevolent spirits.

There are many temples or wats in Cambodia. The most famous temple is Angkor Wat, which was built during the 1200s. It is one of the largest and most beautiful temples in the world.

Show Cambodian flag and explain that the picture is Angkor Wat.

Chaul Chnam or Cambodian New Year is one of the major celebrations in the Cambodian culture. It is based on the lunar calendar & is celebrated in mid-April, which is the first month of the year. This time of year is the end of the harvest, a time for farmers to enjoy the harvest & relax before the rainy season begins.

The celebration lasts 3 days. It is a joyous celebration and families gather at the temple to eat, pray and see classical dancing, music & to play games. People take off work & school and visit family & friends. To get ready families:

1) Clean their homes to rid them of any unclean spirits.

What is the difference and similarities between the Cambodian New Year and the New Year we celebrate on Jan 1?

2) Buy silk to make new clothes, these represent a new beginning.

The Krama is very important. Uses include carrying a baby, hat to keep sun off your head, cushion ones head to carry trays or heavy items, sling to carry goods in front or back of body, dress, shirt, skirt, apron, shorts, play games, hammock between 2 chairs, cover pillows, etc. Using the children as models, show 10 ways to use the krama.

Tie the krama by rolling up one end of it to form a ball, leaving a length or tail free, to play Cha-ol Chong. The players take the ball and swing it high in the air by the tail towards the opponents side. Traditionally it is girls against boys. One of the boys throws it high in the air, the girl must catch it before it hits the ground. After catching it, she must throw it right back, trying to hit a boy. If the boy is hit, he must go to the girl's side & sing a song to them. At "half-time" the teams switch with the girl's team throwing and singing.

The first day is Maha Sahgkrant (MOH-hah sahng KRAHN) which is the entry into the New Year when the New Angel arrives at the signal of the drum or bell at the Buddhist temple. During this day people participate in games and ceremonies. One of the activities is to build a small sand mountain. Each piece of sand that is added is believed to produce more health & happiness in their lives. The people bring food for the monks & pray for them. There is a feast of traditional foods.

The second day is Vana Bat, This is a day to show consideration for the elders, like parents, grandparents teachers.

The third day is Loeung Sack. On this day the monks bless the sand mountain. This is also the day for cleaning the Buddha statues with perfumed water to bring good luck, long life & happiness.

Read Dara's Cambodian New Year.

Eat a snack. I brought elephant shaped cookies last year.

Note: Bring snack, Cambodian flag, spirit house, Apsara dance costume, kramas, doll, bell, books-Dara's Cambodian New Year & The Alphabet Book.

Information from
Carol Rauschenberger's outline
Countries of the World Cambodia
The People of Cambodia