Culturs & Tradionals
About Khmer New Year
Cambodian New Year or Chaul Chnam Thmey in the Khmer language is the name of the Cambodia holiday that celebrates the New Year. The holiday lasts for three days, most commonly, from April 13th to 15th, although Khmer living in other countries may change the dates so as to celebrate on the weekend. Sometimes the holiday falls in between the 14th to 16th of April. This time of the year represents the end of the harvesting season. The farmers enjoy the fruits of their harvest and relax before the rainy season begins. Our New year is followed the Buddha era and lunar calendar.
Cambodian celebrates New Year for Three days:
The First Day
The first day is called Moha Songkran: Moha Songkran is the name of the first day of the New Year celebration. It is the ending of the year and the beginning of a new one. People dress up and light candles and burn incense sticks at shrines. The members of each family pay homage to offer thanks for the Buddha's teachings by bowing, kneeling and prostrating themselves three times before his image. For good luck people wash their face with holy water in the morning, their chests at noon, and their feet in the evening before they go to bed.
The Second Day
The second day is called Vanabat: Vanabat is the name of the second day of the New Year celebration. People contribute charity to the less fortunate, help the poor, servants, homeless people, and low-income families. Families attend a dedication ceremony to their ancestors at the monastery.
The Second Day
The third day is called Tngai Laeung Saka: Tngai Laeung saka is the name of the third day of the New Year celebration. Buddhist cleanses the Buddha statues and 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.
