Cambodia is a country with a rich and diverse culture that reflects its long and turbulent history. The Khmer people, who make up the majority of the population, have their own customs and etiquette that are influenced by their religion, traditions, and values. If you are planning to visit Cambodia or interact with Khmer people, it is important to learn and respect their culture and avoid any offense or misunderstanding. Here are some of the customs and etiquette of Khmer people that you should know and follow.
Greeting
The traditional way of greeting in Cambodia is to place your palms together in front of your chest and bow slightly. This gesture is called som pas, which means “to pay respect”. The higher you raise your hands and the lower you bow, the more respect you show. You should also say chum reap suor (hello) when you meet someone and chum reap lear (goodbye) when you leave.
The som pas is used for greeting and showing respect to elders, monks, teachers, and other people of higher status or authority. You should always wait for them to initiate the som pas and return it accordingly. You should also avoid touching or patting their head, which is considered the most sacred part of the body.
In contrast, the feet are considered the lowest and dirtiest part of the body. You should never point your feet at anyone or anything, especially a Buddha image or a monk. You should also avoid stepping over or sitting on anything that belongs to someone else, such as a book, a bag, or a pillow.
Nowadays, many Khmer people also use handshakes or hugs to greet each other, especially among friends, colleagues, or foreigners. However, you should always be mindful of the context and the person’s preference. You should also avoid any public display of affection, such as kissing or holding hands, which is considered inappropriate and disrespectful.
Dressing
Cambodia is a conservative country where modesty and decency are valued. You should dress appropriately and respectfully when you visit Cambodia or interact with Khmer people. You should avoid wearing anything that is too revealing, tight, or transparent. You should also cover your shoulders and knees, especially when you visit religious sites such as temples or pagodas.
You should also remove your shoes before entering someone’s house or a place of worship. This shows respect for the host and the place. You should also avoid wearing hats or sunglasses indoors or in front of elders or monks.
Eating
Eating is an important part of Khmer culture and a way of socializing and bonding with others. You should always accept an invitation to eat with someone as a sign of friendship and hospitality. You should also compliment the food and the cook as a sign of appreciation and gratitude.
When eating with Khmer people, you should follow some basic rules of etiquette. You should wait for the host or the eldest person to start eating before you do. You should use your right hand to eat or hold utensils, as the left hand is considered unclean. You should also avoid using your fingers to point at food or touch other people’s plates.
You should try to taste everything that is offered to you, even if you don’t like it or are not familiar with it. This shows respect for the host and the culture. You should also avoid wasting food or leaving too much on your plate, as this shows disrespect for the food and the cook.
You should also be careful with alcohol consumption, as some Khmer people may not drink at all or may drink excessively. You should always ask for permission before drinking alcohol or offering it to someone else. You should also drink moderately and responsibly, as getting drunk or causing trouble is considered shameful and rude.
Giving Gifts
Giving gifts is another way of showing respect and appreciation in Khmer culture. You should always bring a small gift when you visit someone’s house or attend a special occasion such as a wedding, a birthday, or a festival. Some common gifts are fruits, flowers, sweets, or souvenirs.
You should always wrap your gift nicely and present it with both hands. You should also avoid using white wrapping paper, as white is associated with death and mourning in Khmer culture. You should also avoid giving anything that is sharp, such as knives or scissors, as they symbolize cutting off the relationship.
You should also be prepared to receive gifts from Khmer people, as they are generous and hospitable. You should accept the gift with both hands and thank the giver sincerely. However, you should not open the gift in front of them unless they ask you to do so. You should also politely refuse the gift at first and accept it later after they insist.
List of references:
• 1: 10+ Important Khmer Manners And Etiquette: Facts And Phrases by Ling App
• 2: General Etiquette in Cambodian Society by EthnoMed
• 3: Etiquette in Cambodia by Asia Highlights
