Cambodian New Year
Cambodian New Year, also known as Khmer New Year, is a very special and exciting occasion when Cambodians celebrate the beginning of a new year. Just like how you and your family might celebrate the New Year by watching fireworks or eating special foods, Cambodians have their own unique traditions.
The Cambodian New Year usually falls in mid-April and lasts for three days. During this time, families and friends come together to enjoy the festive period. The first day is called Maha Songkran, and it's the day that marks the end of the old year. The second day is called Virak Wanabat, which is the day between the old and the new years. Finally, the third day is called Tngai Leang Saka and it marks the beginning of the new year.
One of the most important activities during the Cambodian New Year is cleaning. Cambodians believe that cleaning helps to get rid of bad luck and bad energy, so they thoroughly clean their homes and sweep the floors. After cleaning, they decorate their homes with flowers and fruits such as mangoes, bananas, and pineapples.
Another popular activity is the pouring of water. Cambodians believe that pouring water on their loved ones helps to wash away any bad luck they might have, and it's a way of showing respect and blessing for the New Year. They also traditionally throw water on each other as a sign of playfulness and happiness.
People also visit the temple during the Cambodian New Year to pray and ask for blessings. They offer food, fruits, and flowers to the monks, who then perform ceremonies and chant prayers.
During the New Year, Cambodians also love to eat special foods. One of these is called "kralan," which is a type of cake made from sticky rice, coconut milk, and beans. They also eat "num bans chok," which is a dish made from rice noodles and curry.
In conclusion, Cambodian New Year is a joyful occasion where Cambodians come together to celebrate the start of a new year. They clean their homes, pour water on each other, visit the temple, and enjoy delicious food.
The Cambodian New Year usually falls in mid-April and lasts for three days. During this time, families and friends come together to enjoy the festive period. The first day is called Maha Songkran, and it's the day that marks the end of the old year. The second day is called Virak Wanabat, which is the day between the old and the new years. Finally, the third day is called Tngai Leang Saka and it marks the beginning of the new year.
One of the most important activities during the Cambodian New Year is cleaning. Cambodians believe that cleaning helps to get rid of bad luck and bad energy, so they thoroughly clean their homes and sweep the floors. After cleaning, they decorate their homes with flowers and fruits such as mangoes, bananas, and pineapples.
Another popular activity is the pouring of water. Cambodians believe that pouring water on their loved ones helps to wash away any bad luck they might have, and it's a way of showing respect and blessing for the New Year. They also traditionally throw water on each other as a sign of playfulness and happiness.
People also visit the temple during the Cambodian New Year to pray and ask for blessings. They offer food, fruits, and flowers to the monks, who then perform ceremonies and chant prayers.
During the New Year, Cambodians also love to eat special foods. One of these is called "kralan," which is a type of cake made from sticky rice, coconut milk, and beans. They also eat "num bans chok," which is a dish made from rice noodles and curry.
In conclusion, Cambodian New Year is a joyful occasion where Cambodians come together to celebrate the start of a new year. They clean their homes, pour water on each other, visit the temple, and enjoy delicious food.