Celebration

The celebration of New Years Day in Cambodia is also known as Chol Chnom Thmey, but it is celebrated in April. People believe that a god from Heaven comes down to Earth every year to take care of life and people.

It is one of the biggest celebrations in Cambodia, and usually starts in the middle of April and lasts for three days. People usually prepare for the celebration a week in advance. They clean their houses and decorate them with flowers, kumquat trees and peach blossoms, and many ingredients are bought to make traditional dishes. During the 3 days, people visit their relatives’ houses and send them wishes. Another tradition that we have is giving out lucky money to children and the elderly. We put money in red envelopes and hand them out as a symbol of luck and welcoming the new year. Other than that, Cambodian people gather in the streets and have fun with water, splash around and shoot water guns at each other. After the 3 days, Cambodian people typically visit Pagodas and Temples to pray for wealth, good health, success, and many other positive things.

To me, Chol Chnom Thmey is about going back home and enjoying precious time with my family during the happiest time of year.