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Cambodia is a culturally rich country with years of history. Khmer culture was dominant during the period of the Khmer Empire from 802-1431. The country owes this cultural heritage to major religions like Hinduism and Buddhism. They are the guiding principles of Cambodian life, including language, art, lifestyle, food etc.

The first few centuries saw these two major religions, the Sanskrit language and other aspects of the Indian civilization making a strong impact on Khmer culture. The way Cambodians greet others with a “sampeah” gesture, is similar to the “namaste” in India or the “wai” in Thailand. During different periods, Cambodian culture also absorbed the Chinese, Javanese and Thai influences.

The culture of Khmer is strong and is experienced through the lifestyle of Cambodians. Everything that happens in their lives has a cultural backdrop, right from birth to death, from marriage to divorce and from music to literature. In Khmer culture, the older generation receives greater respect from this completely patriarchal society, where the father heads the household and is responsible for the family’s welfare. Their clothing and fashion is also based on the financial status of the person, and this distinction is clearly visible throughout Cambodia.

Cambodians believe in God as well as the spirits. They have several religious ceremonies and rituals in existence. They have a strong belief that childbirth is the time when the spirits can harm the mother and her newborn child; although, it is considered to be a happy occasion. Another belief is that a women turns into an evil spirit if she dies in childbirth. For Cambodians, death is not a time to grieve, as the dead person is said to enjoy a better life after death.

How can we not talk about the food of Cambodia, when talking about its culture? Rice and fish are the staples and a home-cooked meal is served on a mat on the floor, with the diners sitting on a slightly raised platform. Khmer culture dictates that the head of the family and other men eat first, with the women eating last.

Visual arts, music and dance play a very important role in Khmer culture and have been prominent for many centuries. The Angkor period saw the peaking of Khmer art. Modern art made its way into Cambodia only in the mid 20th century. The pinpeat ensemble consisting of percussion instruments dominates the music scene in Cambodia. There are other popular music categories like the ritual music of the courts – phleng kar, and mahori, the secular entertainment music. Folk dances and Khmer classical dance are known for the use of hands and feet as a form of expressing emotions.

The most important cultural symbol is the ancient Angkor Wat temple with its numerous antiquities. Although, there was a setback to the Khmer culture during the period of political turmoil, Cambodia has shown that it has the strength to revive its rich culture. This cultural restoration is clearly evident all over Cambodia.

Read more Khmer articles about Cambodia at KhmerArticles.com