Fact Desk: Culture
Lesson 57: The Khmer New Year
What is a Cultural Dossier?
When you read academic texts or formal briefings, the information is usually separated into specific sections using headers.
To understand these texts quickly, you don't need to read every single word. Look at the section titles first to understand how the information is organized. If you need to find a date, look for numbers. If you need a definition, look for bold or highlighted words.
Go to the next tab to learn the B1/B2 vocabulary, then practice your reading skills on the Cultural Dossier in the Practice tab!
Season & Wealth 🌾
Family & Deeds 🙏
Divine & Sacred 🪷
Choul Chnam Thmey: The Khmer New Year
• Duration: 3 Days
• Reason: End of Rice Harvest
• Greeting: Sursdey Chnam Thmey
The Khmer New Year, or Choul Chnam Thmey, is the most significant holiday in Cambodia. Unlike the Western New Year in January, this festival takes place in mid-April. This timing is intentional; it marks the end of the traditional harvest season. Farmers have finished their hard work in the rice fields and can finally rest before the rainy season begins.
The Three Days of CelebrationDay 1: Moha Songkran. The first day is the inauguration of the New Angels. People clean their homes and prepare food offerings to welcome the new deities who come to protect the world for the coming year.
Day 2: Virak Vanabat. This is the "Day of Giving." It is a time to think of others. Cambodians often offer gifts to their parents, grandparents, and elders. They also donate money or clothes to the poor to build merit.
Day 3: Vearak Loeng Sak. On the final day, the focus turns to cleansing. People wash statues of Lord Buddha with perfumed water. This ritual symbolizes washing away bad actions from the past year. Children also wash the hands of their parents as a sign of respect and to ask for forgiveness.
Fun and GamesWhile the mornings are for religious ceremonies at the pagoda, the afternoons are for fun! In villages across the country, people play traditional games. Popular games include Chol Chhoung (throwing a scarf), Bos Angkunh (throwing large seeds), and Leak Kanseng (hiding a towel). It is a joyous time filled with music, dancing, and wishing for prosperity.
Comprehension Assessment
Real World Tasks
Apply your knowledge of Cambodian culture!