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  Happy Cambodian New Year Year of the Boar A Return to Tradition: Khmer New Year 2007 in the CountrysideOn April 14, 2007, surrounded by the beauty of the Waianae mountains, Khmer families and friends gathered to dance, sing, play traditional games, and eat delicious Khmer food together. For many, this year's new year celebration was much like that they experienced back in Cambodia out in the countryside, sounds of Khmer music filling the air, sharing simple good food and conversation.. In contrast, last year's 2006 new year involved a multi-faceted program held in a highly decorated dining hall, with guest speakers, presentations by city, county, and state officials, a well-rehearsed fashion show, and a grand buffet that fed hundreds of Cambodian community members and visitors alike. Which was the better New Year? Neither, for as different as they were, the success of both of the two new year celebrations, I believe, speaks to the versatility of the Cambodian Community of Hawaii. This ability to both respect tradition and embrace change is one of the hallmarks of our community. Indeed, many of our members have succeeded in modern America as professionals, academics, engineers, and entrepreneurs, dressed in suits or aloha shirts and dress slacks, making presentations in boardroom or classrooms. Yet these same individuals are just as comfortable in the middle of a farm in Waialua, in shorts and flip-flops, talking story with other pu (uncles) and meeng (aunties). The theme of last year's new year was Building Bridges, and indeed, we did much to get more involved in the greater Hawaii community beginning free Khmer language and culture classes, open to the public, participating in the Southeast Asian Lantern Festival with Thai, Lao, and Burmese communities, and sharing our stories with others. For example, our local newspapers, the Honolulu Advertiser and the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, as well as several radio stations, have followed the story of Ms. Sythan Leam, a young woman from Cambodia who is currently in Honolulu for surgery at Shriner's Hospital. In 2007, we will continue to reach out to others in the greater Hawaii community both on Oahu and on the neighbor islands. As we grow and look forward, however, we also bear in mind that it is our history that bonds us to each other, and continue to respect that history by practicing and upholding the traditions created by our ancestors in our motherland, Cambodia. From all of us in the Cambodian Community of Hawaii, we wish you a year filled with peace, prosperity, good health and happiness, and of course, aloha.
On April 14, 2007, members of the Cambodian Community of Hawaii gathered, as they do every spring, to commemorate the beginning of a new year. Traditionally held for three days in April, Khmer (Cambodian) New Year is a time of celebration and renewal. Indeed, our 2006 ceremonies were most remarkable, in that our small community had the privilege of welcoming Honorable Governor Lingle, Senator Daniel Akaka, Congressman Ed Case, and State Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland to enjoy our guest speakers, traditional dances, and cultural foods. This year, due to financial constraints, we were unable to hold a large public gathering. However, while limited in funds, we were certainly not limited in spirit! We still held our religious ceremonies, Khmer traditional games, and other activities, although on a smaller scale. As we review the past year, we have every reason to be proud and hopeful. We have begun to meet on a more regular basis, to plan for economic improvement and social enrichment. We have begun to offer free Khmer language and culture classes on Saturdays. We have welcomed several visitors from our homeland who have come to participate in courses at the East-West Center and the University of Hawai`i. We recently received into our homes and hearts Ms. Sythan Leam, a young Cambodian girl with a severely disfigured leg, who arrived in Honolulu for surgery at Shriner's Hospital. As we move forward, we are reinspired. We thank you for your support, and ask that you continue to work together with us as we grow and strengthen our relationships both amongst ourselves and with our friends and partners in the Hawai`i community. Again, please accept our best wishes for a happy, healthy, and productive New Year ~ CCH
2007 is the Year of the Golden Fire Boar. Boar years occur once every twelve years, but fire boar years occur only once every 60 years. Furthermore, Golden Fire Boar years occur only every 600 years, so 2007 is a very special year indeed! Elements of the Fire BoarPeople born during fire boar years are known to be honest, and extremely generous and kind, often to a fault. Boars are considered the happiest and luckiest animal of the zodiac. They are very approachable and easy to talk to, and optimistic, looking on the bright side of things and willing to make the best of every situation. They have lots of energy, but can also be quick-tempered. If you make a boar angry, watch out! What to ExpectIn Golden Fire Boar years, we can expect finances to be favorable and social opportunities to be plentiful. Business should be particularly good during the first half of the year. The year of the Golden Fire Boar completes a 600-year cycle, so during this year, you should tie up loose ends, finalize deals, and remedy unresolved problems, in order to usher in a time of peace and harmony. Boar years are characterized by partying and fun, but be careful not to overdo things. Instead, focus on family and friendships. It is a good year for taking a trip, as there will be good deals on travel, but plan carefully as there may be dramatic weather changes and storms. Be particularly careful about water travel. Overall, while difficulties may come up, this year will be a year of opportunity to savor the joy of living. This is a great year to marry and raise a large family. Famous persons born during Boar Years:Hillary Rodham Clinton, Steven Spielberg, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Stephen King, Henry Ford, John McEnroe, Thomas Jefferson, Ralph Waldo Emerson and the Dalai Lama. Happy New Year! |
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