Chaul Chnam (Khmer New Year)

The Khmer New Year (Chaul Chnam in the Khmer language) is celebrated in mid-April, based on the first month of the lunar calendar in Cambodia. Farmers also enjoy the fruits of the harvest, as this time also celebrates the end of harvest season. Khmer New Year celebrations take place in other countries like the United States so those who have left their country can still take part in the celebration.

The New Year is prepared for in advance. People clean their homes (to get rid of unclean spirits) and collect decorations and offerings (fruit, alcohol, rice dishes, etc). New clothes are also made from silk. Women and girls wear skirts and colorful, decorative robes. Men and boys generally wear white rounded-neck shirts and black pants. Also as a blessing for good luck, people rub white talcum powder on their faces.

During the three-day celebration, many people take off work to spend time with friends and family, as well as visit Buddhist pagodas. Buddhism plays an important role in the celebration of the New Year. The New Year celebration is divided into three days: Moha Songkran, Wanabat, and Tanai Lieang Saka, and each day has its own ceremonies and activities.

The first day (Moha Songkran) begins with a drum or bell signal from the Buddhist temple that signifies the start of the celebration. It is believed that the New Angel arrives with the sound of the bell or drum. The building of the small sand “mountain” is an activity for the first day. Each piece of sand added is believed to produce more health and happiness in the lives of those who participate. There is a feast of traditional foods, and food is also brought to monks.

Wanabat, the second day, is a day to show thoughtfulness to elders. It is a time for prayer and a time to serve. Children give elders gifts out of respect, and Cambodians take part in service activities and give to the less fortunate. They also forgive those who have done wrong towards them. People also continue to add sand to the small mountain.

On the last day,Tanai Lieang Saka, monks bless the sand mountain, and the cleansing of Buddha statues takes place. It is believed that if your Buddha statue is washed with perfumed water, it will bring you good luck, happiness, and long life. The bathing is also believed to be a symbol of hope for sufficient rainfall for the upcoming rice harvest.