Music and Rituals
Being raised in the Cambodian (khmer) culture, I have had my fair share of attending weddings and funerals where the music was completely different for each one. Just like any wedding, the music can differ as the duration of the event continues. Slow and emotional in the beginning then fast and happy toward the end. From experience, most of the Cambodian weddings I have been to have been put into two parts: traditional and American style. For example, a traditional wedding would be on a Friday morning and the American style wedding would be on a Saturday night.
Most people would take this route to 1. Enjoy the tradition/culture of being a Cambodian, 2. To split the attendance (respectfully) for the grandparents and older folks who want to support without being mixed with the younger generation that wants to party. It is done specifically in this way to respect the culture and go through the rituals, traditions, and blessings of getting married before having the 2nd half of the wedding which is more party focused.
During a traditional wedding there are four main songs that are played throughout the ceremony: Phat Cheay, Kang Saeuy, Bangvel Po Pil, and Bay Khon Chang Dai (no specific order). These four songs are played while the Seven Circles of Fire ritual takes place. First is Phat Cheay that is played while the bride and her bridesmaid enter. Second is Kang Saeuy is played while gifts and blessings are given from ancestors/deceased relatives. Third is Bangvel Pol Pil which is played while the Seven Circles of Fire ritual takes place. The smoke from the fire is believed to protect the marrying couple and bring them safety from any evil spirits that wish to intrude. The last song is the Bay Khom Chang Dai which is played while the couples wrists are tied together to represent them as one.
During a funeral the main thing heard is called the “Smot” chanting. It is mainly the monks/priest chanting and partial call and response. They are there to deliver sermons and help pray. The chants consist of the “three Jewels” (I take refuge in the Buddha, i take refuge in the Dharma, i take refuge in the Sangha). Those who attend the funeral should join the chant and/or sit silently but never to sit higher than the monks. Following that ‘Cambodian funeral music’ (could not find a name for it) is then played.
Here are a few traditional funeral practices:
Cremation of the body
Shaving of head of those close to the one who past
Wearing of white (White is the traditional color of mourning for the death)
Buddhists view death as the end of a life cycle instead of one's life, passage from one stage of the cycle to the next.
monks to be at the place of death because that is where the soul exits the body but still remains present (should be done if possible). The soul is thought to be in a state of confusion and fight after exiting the body in which the monks are needed to calm the soul.
Works cited:
https://global-children.org/traditional-khmer-wedding-customs-and-songs/
https://ethnomed.org/resource/death-in-cambodian-buddhist-culture/
https://www.everplans.com/articles/buddhist-funeral-traditions
I did not know they split the weddings into American and traditional. That is actually pretty cool and also that its a way to be respectful to the older people attending this wedding since times have changed so much. I also did not know that the closest people to the person who passed shave their heads.
ReplyDeleteI learned so much from your blog post! I found it interesting that some members who were close to the one who passed may shave their heads and the belief of monks is that it is death from one life cycle. It is so important that there is a traditional and American ceremony, this keeps the traditions alive.
ReplyDeleteI always wondered what your ethnicity was & I thought it was so cool to learn about it. I thought it was interesting how the attendance is split respectfully for the older folks who want to support without being mixed with the younger generation that wants to party. It makes sense and if I were to get married, I would probably want it done that way.
ReplyDeleteI thought your blog was really interesting seeing as I'm not too educated on many different cultures. I thought it was really cool how there's so many different varieties of music at the weddings to be able to please and respect everyone. I also thought it was really interesting how the main funeral attire was white.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know about the split wedding practice That sounds like a really cool way to celebrate traditional Cambodian culture and values while still getting to party. The outfit/accessories of the woman that I assume is the bride is also absolutely STUNNING! I also loved hearing the music that played towards the end of the video while the couple was sitting together. The rhythms sounded great.
ReplyDeleteI am not familiar with the Cambodian culture; however, it was very cool to learn about it! All of the music were fun to listen to. Also, I find it so interesting the way setup of a Cambodian wedding!
ReplyDeleteIt was pretty cool to be able to learn about Cambodian culture, one thing that caught my eye when reading your blog was how people where white to the funeral because normally we always see black being worn. I also really enjoyed the Khmer traditional funeral song because it was just very soothing.
ReplyDeleteIt was really cool to read this blog. Im not very familiar with the Cambodian way of life and culture so this was a very cool read for me. I enjoyed reading about when the couples wrist were tied together during song I thought that was interesting.
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