Different Elements Of Khmer Culture
Cambodia is a culturally rich country with years of history. Khmer culture was dominant during the period of the Khmer Empire from 802-1431. The country owes this cultural heritage to major religions like Hinduism and Buddhism. They are the guiding principles of Cambodian life, including language, art, lifestyle, food etc.
The first few centuries saw these two major religions, the Sanskrit language and other aspects of the Indian civilization making a strong impact on Khmer culture. The way Cambodians greet others with a “sampeah” gesture, is similar to the “namaste” in India or the “wai” in Thailand. During different periods, Cambodian culture also absorbed the Chinese, Javanese and Thai influences.
In Khmer culture, etiquette is very important. People of different ranks are addressed differently, with the linguistic systems becoming complex when addressing monks or royalty. Rank is taken into consideration even the way people are greeted by the way the palms are raised together and the degree of the elevation of hands. The way they dress is dependent on their social stature and financial status of the person. It is a patriarchal society with the father heading the family, and is respected as such.
Cambodians have a strong belief in the spirits and this is the reason the birth of a child, in spite of being a happy occasion, is also believed to bring harm from the spirits because the woman and the child are exposed. Similarly, a woman who dies in childbirth is believed to turn into an evil spirit. One of the most surprising cultural beliefs is that death is not considered as an occasion of grief, as it is said to be the beginning of a better life.
How can we not talk about the food of Cambodia, when talking about its culture? Rice and fish are the staples and a home-cooked meal is served on a mat on the floor, with the diners sitting on a slightly raised platform. Khmer culture dictates that the head of the family and other men eat first, with the women eating last.
Their rich music, dance and visual arts have been around ever since the beginning, but they were only given high importance during the Angkor period. One of the most popular music ensembles is the Pinpeat, which uses wind and percussion instruments. The rich melodies from this ensemble are said to flow deep into the heart. Other music categories include the Phleng kar and Mahori as well as the secular entertainment music. The classical dancers use their hands and feet to express different emotions. It was during the 20th century that modern art made its entry.
The–th century saw Khmer culture come in to its own, but it had hit a rock bottom during the devastation of the Khmer rouge. But this political upheaval could not suppress the rich culture for long and it now thrives in all villages and cities of Cambodia in every form of art and in the lifestyle of the Cambodians.
Kevin Meas has more articles about Khmer Rouge and the people of Cambodia.
