Intro:
Cambodia is a country rich in culture and traditions, and its festivals are a vibrant expression of this heritage. In this lesson, we’ll delve into one of the most important celebrations in Cambodia: Khmer New Year. Let’s explore its significance, customs, and the joy it brings to the people.
Reading:
Choul Chnam Thmey, or Khmer New Year, is the most important festival in Cambodia. It usually falls in mid-April and marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of a new year. This three-day celebration is a time for family reunions, traditional games, and paying respects to elders and ancestors.
One of the most beloved traditions is the building of sand stupas at pagodas. These intricate structures are adorned with flowers and incense, symbolizing good luck and prosperity for the new year.
Another popular activity is the water festival, where people playfully splash water on each other as a way to cleanse and purify the soul.
During Khmer New Year, families gather to prepare delicious traditional foods like Nom Ansom Chek (banana leaf sticky rice cakes) and enjoy traditional games like Angkunh (a game similar to jacks).
The streets come alive with vibrant colors, music, and dancing as people celebrate the arrival of a new year and the hope for a prosperous future.
Vocabulary:
- Choul Chnam Thmey (noun): Khmer New Year.
- stupa (noun): a dome-shaped structure erected as a Buddhist shrine.
- pagoda (noun): a Hindu or Buddhist temple or sacred building, typically a many-tiered tower.
- adorn (verb): make more beautiful or attractive.
- incense (noun): a gum, spice, or other substance that is burned for the sweet smell it produces.
- prosperity (noun): the state of being prosperous; having good fortune.
Tasks:
- Answer the questions:
- What is the name of the Khmer New Year?
- When does Khmer New Year usually take place?
- What are sand stupas?
- Why do people splash water on each other during Khmer New Year?
- Name two traditional foods eaten during Khmer New Year.
- Vocabulary Matching:
- Choul Chnam Thmey – Khmer New Year
- stupa – dome-shaped shrine
- pagoda – Buddhist temple
- adorn – decorate
- incense – sweet-smelling substance that is burned
- prosperity – good fortune
- True or False:
- Khmer New Year is a one-day celebration. (True/False)
- Sand stupas are built at homes. (True/False)
- People eat special foods during Khmer New Year. (True/False)
- The streets are quiet during Khmer New Year. (True/False)
- Research and Present:
- Choose another Cambodian festival (e.g., Water Festival, Pchum Ben).
- Research the festival and find out:
- When it takes place.
- Why it is celebrated.
- What special activities or traditions are associated with it.
- Present your findings to the class.
Answer Key:
- Answer the questions:
- Choul Chnam Thmey
- Mid-April
- Intricate sand structures built at pagodas
- To cleanse and purify the soul
- Nom Ansom Chek (banana leaf sticky rice cakes) and Angkunh (a game similar to jacks)
- Vocabulary Matching: (Answers are provided above)
- True or False:
- False
- False
- True
- False
- Research and Present: (Allow for individual answers)
Outro:
You’ve learned about the vibrant and joyful celebration of Khmer New Year. Festivals are a wonderful way to experience a culture’s traditions and values. Keep exploring and learning about the rich cultural heritage of Cambodia!
