Culture of Cambodia

Cambodia is a land of culture, tradition and ethnic civilization. Cambodia records a prosperous and diverse history which has its influence from the Indian continent. The land of Cambodia is even influenced by the customs of Thailand ad Laos that can be witnessed in its prevailing society. The Culture of Cambodia is subjected to Indian customs, which developed its way of life from the religions of Buddhism and Hinduism. The language and art of Cambodia is believed to have been brought in the land by the seafaring merchants around the 1st century A.D., via the gulf of Thailand and the Pacific port during while operating business with China.

The civilizations of Japanese, Chinese, Lao, and Thai have a great impact on the Culture of Cambodia. About 90 percent of the Cambodian Culture is Khmer in nature thereby speaking the native Khmer dialect. The French, Chinese, Vietnamese and English are the other dialects that can be frequently heard in the region.

Cambodian Civilization primarily believes in the Buddhist culture wherein about 95 percent practice the traditions of Theravada Buddhist. While the rest of the population follow the principles of Islam, atheism, or animism.

The Culture of Cambodia initiated from the monarchy of Angkor, which was a prosperous empire that thrived along the northwestern provinces. The Angkor kingdom once controlled most of the areas of the present Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. The ancient Angkor Monarchy left behind its impression on the fields of art, architectures, music, and dance, which is still retained today.

The Culture of Cambodia is hierarchical in nature and follows certain guidelines. As per the tradition of Cambodia one is supposed to show respect to their elders. At times, the elder of the family are denoted with their family title as per their higher rank or seniority. Wearing a checkered scarf known as Krama is something quite unique in the Cambodian culture. The scarf is worn with a purpose of style, safeguarding from the sun, aiding while climbing trees, a hammock for infants, as a towel or for many other reasons. Sampeah gesture is an ideal way to show respect to an elder. Touching of feet with somebody's head is considered disrespect in Cambodia, as head is known to control a person's soul.