Cambodian wedding: details about this tematic wedding

A multi-day wedding: Cambodian wedding

Cambodian Wedding

Two to three days of celebration, multiple ceremonies, lots of food and grand gestures surround what is a Cambodian wedding, also known as a Khmer wedding ceremony. Cambodia is a country of ancestral traditions, Buddhist practices and Chinese influences, so Cambodians have spiritual traditions and rituals that are passed down from generation to generation.

Cambodia is a country where the majority of its population practices Buddhism, so marriages must be arranged in order to take place. In the past, parents chose a spouse for their children, which facilitated the agreement between families. Although nowadays children are free to choose their partner, it is important to have the approval of their parents.

Cambodian Wedding Dress

Because Cambodian weddings can last up to three days, couples may change their dress during each ceremony. The typical bride’s outfit is a kompot skirt and top, accompanied by fancy jewelry and intricate beading. Men usually wear Khmer pants with a shirt.

Dresses at Cambodian weddings are usually made of high quality gold or silk threads. The dresses can be of different styles and colors, although it is important that at each change of dress there is also a change of hairstyle, make-up and accessories.

Cambodian Wedding Clothing

Traditional Cambodian weddings require different outfits for each ceremony that takes place during the day or days the couple decides to celebrate. Some of these ceremonies require specific pieces, which makes for stunning wedding outfits that go beyond bright colors.

Guests usually wear semi-formal attire. Depending on the season, they will wear summer dresses or more stylish winter suits. Unlike the couple, those present at the wedding do not need to wear different outfits during each ceremony performed at the wedding.

Cambodian Wedding Party

At Cambodian wedding parties it is common to hear classic wedding songs such as “Som Bon”, “Bondait Kantong” or “Bok Leak”, styles among the Khmer culture. As is classic at most of these parties, there will be plenty of food, drinks and fun. The couple’s first dance lasts approximately 20 minutes and is considered a moving spectacle. Husband and wife dance slowly among the tables of guests, with smooth movements that end with a bow to the guests. For the Khmer it is important to celebrate with vanity.

Among the foods that can be enjoyed on these holidays are: Amok, a dish made with curry and relatively sweet; Khmer curry, made with coconut milk, chicken and eggplant; and a red curry paste called kroeung. Snacks such as Cambodian egg rolls, vegetables, fruits and sweets are also available.

Cambodian Wedding Traditions

The Cambodian wedding usually lasts up to three days because of the different ceremonies performed by the couple. It usually begins with a common practice such as honoring the ancestors; tea is offered to the spirits as a way of inviting them to participate in the marriage celebration.

The first step is the groom’s procession. Here, the groom’s family travels to the bride’s family home to meet and finally exchange wedding rings. The next tradition consists of a haircut, both having some of their hair cut off as a symbol of a new life together.

During the wedding, Buddhist monks usually give their blessing by sprinkling flower water over the couple while chanting blessings for them. To honor their parents, the couple holds an umbrella over them as a sign of gratitude for the work they did to raise them.

The knot tying ceremony is another symbolic tradition. The couple kneels, while family members take turns tying a red thread around the wrists of the bride and groom. These threads represent eternal love and the joining of two people to become one. Tradition is that the threads should be on their wrists for at least three days or until they fall off naturally.

In many families, there is a tradition of couples seeking advice from other spouses. During a ceremony, married couples sit around the couple to give them their blessing.

Cambodian weddings are a vibrant manifestation of the country’s rich cultural heritage. These ceremonies not only celebrate the union of two people, but also the connection to ancestors, traditions and community. Through their elaborate rituals, costume changes and extended festivities, Cambodian weddings highlight the importance of family, respect for traditions and the celebration of love in its purest and most sincere form.