The culture of Cambodia is a reflection of the country’s long and diverse history, as well as its religious and ethnic diversity. Cambodia has been influenced by various civilizations, such as India, China, Thailand, Vietnam, and France, but it has also developed its own distinctive identity and traditions. Some of the aspects of Cambodian culture that you may find interesting are:
- The Khmer language: The Khmer language is the official language of Cambodia and the most widely spoken. It belongs to the Mon-Khmer branch of the Austroasiatic language family, and it has its own script, which is derived from the Pallava script of India. The Khmer language has many dialects and variations, depending on the region and the social group. The Khmer language is rich in literature and poetry, dating back to the Angkor period.
- The Cambodian cuisine: The Cambodian cuisine is influenced by the cuisines of its neighbors, such as Thailand, Vietnam, and China, but it also has its own unique flavors and ingredients. The Cambodian cuisine is based on rice, fish, vegetables, herbs, and spices. Some of the dishes that you may want to try are amok (fish curry steamed in banana leaves), lok lak (stir-fried beef with salad and rice), kuy teav (noodle soup with meat and herbs), and nom banh chok (rice noodles with fish gravy and fresh herbs). The Cambodian cuisine also includes some exotic delicacies, such as fried spiders, snake wine, and balut (fertilized duck egg).
- The Cambodian music and dance: The Cambodian music and dance are influenced by the Hindu and Buddhist traditions, as well as the folk and classical styles of Southeast Asia. The Cambodian music uses various instruments, such as gongs, xylophones, flutes, drums, and stringed instruments. The Cambodian dance includes various forms, such as classical dance, folk dance, shadow puppetry, and circus arts. The most famous form of Cambodian dance is the royal ballet or apsara dance, which depicts the celestial nymphs of Hindu mythology.
- The Cambodian festivals: The Cambodian festivals are based on the lunar calendar and celebrate various religious and cultural events. Some of the festivals that you may want to experience are Khmer New Year (in April), which marks the end of the dry season and the beginning of the rainy season; Pchum Ben (in September or October), which honors the ancestors and offers food to the spirits; Water Festival (in November), which commemorates the reversal of the Tonle Sap river and features boat races and fireworks; and Angkor Festival (in December), which showcases the cultural heritage of Cambodia through music, dance, and art.
