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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.

Hinduism was embraced in the first centuries and then Buddhism spread in the later years of the Khmer Empire. Brahmanistic practices are a part of the Khmer culture and are now deeply intermingled with the practice of Buddhism, so much so that they are not considered as separate religions. Brahmanist and spirit practices are localized and Buddhism is a national tradition.

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.

Mention of Khmer culture inevitably brings to mind the exotic cuisine, which is well-known for a variety of delicacies, such as the prahok, is a fermented fish paste used to flavor several dishes or kapi, a fermented shrimp paste. Coconut milk is one of the main ingredients used in curries and in the preparation of desserts.

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.

While the Khmer culture flourished until the–th century; the Khmer rouge era saw the devastation of the culture, but the pieces have long been picked up, and the rich Khmer traditions of science, art, architecture and spirituality again resonate throughout Cambodia, an exotic region located at the crossroads of India and China.

Kevin Meas has more articles about Khmer Rouge and the people of Cambodia.

categories: Khmer Culture,Cambodia,Culture,Society,Religion,Travel,Reference,Education

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