Lesson 26: Cambodian New Year

Lesson 26: Choul Chnam Thmey: A Celebration of Cambodian Heritage

Welcome back, friends! It’s time to delve into one of Cambodia’s most cherished celebrations: Khmer New Year, also known as Choul Chnam Thmey. This vibrant festival marks the start of a new year and a time for family reunions, cultural traditions, and hopeful beginnings. Let’s share our stories, express our wishes, and celebrate this special time together!

Remembering Khmer New Year Traditions

Can you recall the vibrant sights and sounds of Khmer New Year? Let’s refresh our memory about this wonderful celebration:

1. What do you remember?

   • Take a few minutes to brainstorm everything you know about Khmer New Year.
   • Consider:
     • When does it take place?
     • How is it celebrated?
     • What special activities and traditions are involved?
     • What food do people eat?
   • Share your knowledge with a partner.

2. Traditions Flashback:

   • Your teacher will provide a list of Khmer New Year traditions. Discuss their significance and how they are celebrated.
   • Key Traditions:
     • Sand Pagoda Building: Creating intricate sand structures at pagodas.
     • Water Festival: Playfully splashing water on each other for good luck.
     • Angkunh: A traditional game played with seeds.
     • Nom Ansom Chek: Delicious banana leaf sticky rice cakes.
     • Family Gatherings: Reuniting with loved ones and paying respects to elders.

Your New Year Stories

Every Khmer New Year brings unique memories and experiences. Let’s share our stories!

1. Story Time:

   • Share your favorite Khmer New Year memory with a partner or small group.
   • Describe the atmosphere, activities, and feelings associated with the memory.
   • Use descriptive language to paint a vivid picture for your listeners.

2. Question Time:

   • Ask your partner or group members about their favorite Khmer New Year memories.
   • Show genuine interest and ask follow-up questions to keep the conversation flowing.
   • Share a laugh or a moment of reflection together.

Greeting Card Creation

Let’s spread some New Year cheer by creating our own greeting cards!

1. Design and Write:

   • Fold a piece of paper in half to create a card.
   • Decorate the front of your card with drawings or symbols related to Khmer New Year.
   • Write a New Year message inside, including wishes for health, happiness, and prosperity.
   • Write your message in both English and Khmer to practice both languages.
   • Example Message (English): “Happy Khmer New Year! Wishing you a year filled with joy, luck, and prosperity.”
   • Example Message (Khmer): “សួស្តី​ឆ្នាំ​ថ្មី! សូម​ជូនពរ​ឱ្យ​អ្នក​មាន​សុភមង្គល សំណាងល្អ និង​ចម្រើន​រុងរឿង​ក្នុង​ឆ្នាំ​ថ្មី​នេះ!”

2. Share and Exchange:

   • Share your greeting card with a partner or the class.
   • Exchange cards with your classmates to spread the festive spirit.

Did You Know? The Khmer New Year is celebrated not only in Cambodia but also in other countries with significant Khmer populations, such as Thailand and Vietnam.

Your Turn!

Choul Chnam Thmey is a time for new beginnings and fresh starts. What are your hopes and dreams for the new year? How will you celebrate this special occasion? Share your thoughts and wishes with the world!