Khmer Wrestling (Boak Cham Bab)
Boak Chambab is Cambodian traditional wrestling; a sport in which two opponents try to pin (hold) each other’s back to the ground. It has been practiced as far back as the Angkor period and is depicted on the bas-relief of a certain temple.
Central Market (Phsar Thom Thmei)
The Phsar Thom Thmei or the Central Market erected in Art Deco in the 1930s (1935-1937) and was once SEA’s largest market is a Phnom Penh landmark in the shape of a dome with four arms branching out into vast hallways with countless stalls of goods.
Khmer Ox Cart
When contemporary innovation takes control, it is common for old-school items to vanish gradually. Khmer Ox-carts, however, is more than simply old artifacts; they were the ‘Mercedes-Benz’ of Cambodia’s bygone civilizations. As a result, Cambodians should preserve such a deep-rooted tool for younger people who wish to appreciate it or for those who still use it.
Sampeah
The Sampeah is a Cambodian traditionally greeting style or way of showing respect. While performing the salutation or mutual recognition “Sampeah”, people have to raise both hands, and place their palms together in the lotus-like fashion while bowing slightly. The word often spoken with the Sampeah when greeting somebody is Chumreap Suor, while Chumreap Lea is spoken when saying goodbye.
Sbaek Lakhaoun (Khmer Shadow Theatre)
It is believed shadow leather originated in Cambodia probably in the pre-Angkor period. Based on the evidence, for example, the stone inscription (K.155) at Kuk Roka, Kampong Thom from the pre-Angkor period, which describes woman puppeteers in a performance using figures in a ceremony invoking Sarasvati, the goddess of learning and the arts. This confirms the use of small puppet images in religious ceremonies. Based on this inscription, we believe that Khmer puppets originated in the pre-Angkor period (9th Century).
Robam Krama Khmer (Khmer Scarf Dance)
Traditional Folk Dance Refers to all kinds of dances that are passed on from one generation to another and that are often linked to an ethnic group’s traditional’ ceremonies. In Cambodia, traditional dances mostly involve animism and express beliefs in the supernatural. When people have problems thought to have been caused by supernatural or spirits, they offer lively dances to appease them.
Cambodia Royal Ploughing
In Khmer so-called Preah Reach Pithi Chrot Preah Neangkoal, the Royal Plowing Day is traditionally held in May on the 4th day of the 6th Lunar month’s waning moon. To celebrate the arrival of the rainy season, people gather to eat and pray for a plentiful crop. The centerpiece of this festival day is a ritual in which representatives of our King plow and plant rice at the ceremonial when the rice growth period is upcoming.
Lakhaon Poul Srei (Female Masked Theatre)
Lakhaon Poul Srei is the female version of Lakhaon Khaol (classical male masked theater), which literally translates as ‘female narration’. Both forms combine classical theater and dance and are accompanied by the traditional pin peat orchestra. Unlike Lakhaon Khaol, which uses a separate group of narrators, Lakhaon Poul Srei dancers take turns narrating while other members continue to dance. The dancers often lift their masks and narrate directly to the audience.
Water and Moon Festival (Bon Om Tuk, Bondet Protit, Sam Peah Preah Khae)
The kingdom of Cambodia has a wealth of traditional and cultural festivals dated according to the Cambodian lunar calendar. All these festival are influenced by the concept of Buddhism, Hinduism, and royal cultures. The festivals, which serves as a source of great joy, merriment and Cambodian’s national colors, play a major role in influencing tourists’ opinions, behaviors, and options. Most of these are a time of replacing the predominantly urban and rural populace.
Pchum Ben Day or Ancestor Day
Pchum Ben, also known as Ancestor’s Day, is a half-month period (fifteen days: from one Roach to fifteen Roach) of remembrance for dead family members, which traditionally begins between September and October (the tenth month of the Khmer Calendar). Pchum Ben is believed to be a time when the souls of our ancestors that passed away may come back to us. The course of their journey will be decided by their karma and by the offerings made by their living relatives during Pchum Ben.