Cambodian New Year

Cambodian New Year History

Cambodian New Year, or Choul Chnam Thmey in the Khmer language, celebrates the traditional Lunar New Year celebration in Cambodia. It is a time counted amongst the most important Cambodian holidays, celebrating the end of the harvest season when farmers enjoy the fruits of their labor before the rainy season begins. The observance spans over three days, each carrying a unique significance, named Maha Songkran, Virak Vanabat, and Virak Loeurng Sak. These days involve several family and public ceremonies, offerings, parades, games, and the observance of the New Year Angel, a spiritual entity believed to bring good fortune.

The roots of the Cambodian New Year trace back to the Brahminism era, contributing significantly to its holistic cultural festivities that encompass both religious and secular traditions. Cambodian-Americans mark the holiday as a crucial moment to tie connections to their cultural roots, while simultaneously honoring their new home in America. It serves as a bridge for younger generations to maintain touch with their Cambodian heritage, highlighting traditional music, dance, food, and costumes.

In America, the observance of Cambodian New Year witnesses vibrant festivals held by Cambodian communities mainly located in Long Beach, California, Lowell, Massachusetts, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania among others. These cultural events allow for American audiences to experience authentic Cambodian traditions, promoting a cultural exchange that fosters understanding. Similar to Cambodia, the celebration typically happens in April, closely following the spring equinox, depending on the Lunar calendar..

Facts about Cambodian New Year

• Each year, an angel is chosen to represent the Cambodian New Year depending on the day it lands on. In 2023, the holiday occurs on a Friday, so the angel Kemera Devi was chosen. The angel is said to be lead to Earth by a dragon while carrying her father’s head around a mountain, making sure that it doesn’t touch the Earth or sea.
• The second day of celebrations is Virak Vanabat. It's a day of giving. People give gifts to their elders and to the young. They also often donate to the poor. There's a tradition to visit religious temples to build mounds of sand, which are believed to bring longevity and prosperity.
• Moha Songkran is the first day of celebrations. It marks the end of the old year and the beginning of the new one. On this day, people prepare for the arrival of the new year's angel by cleaning and decorating their homes and themselves. They have gifts for the angels, such as food, which vary depending on the angel.
• Tanai Lieang Saka is the third day of celebrations and it means new beginning. People visit the temple to be blessed by the monks. The young throw baby powder and flour at each other. They also wash their grandparents and parents and receive from them good wishes and advice for the new year. It is a day to visit family members, even for those that work far away from them.

In the News and Trending in the US for Cambodian New Year

Top things to do in the US for Cambodian New Year's Day

• Visit family members you haven't seen in a while.
• Donate to the poor.
• Watch the 1984 movie The Killing Fields. It is set during the Cambodian genocide, which killed around 1.5 to 3 million people. The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards, winning three of them.