Khmer traditional foods, and various forms of entertainment, including speakers, traditional Khmer dance and music performances, and displays of Khmer art and handicrafts.
The Cambodian Community of Hawaii: Three Decades in the Islands
In many ways, 1979 was a watershed year -- that is, it was a year that marked great change. In 1979, for example, Pope John Paul II traveled to the United States, marking the first time a pope ever set foot on American soil. Margaret Thatcher became Britain’s first female prime minister. China instituted its one child per family rule to try to control its exploding population. The smallpox virus, which had killed millions upon millions of people since the 18th century, was declared officially extinct. Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of her efforts to help the poor and the sick across the world. The Entertainment Sports Programming Network (ESPN) broadcast its first programs on cable television. Egypt and Israel signed a peace treaty, ending more than 30 years of war between the two countries. And in 1979, the Khmer Rouge regime fell from power in Cambodia.
It was after the Khmer Rouge was defeated that the situation of Cambodians, who had endured four years of isolation and suffering under their control, became widely known. News reports around the world began to show thousands of exhausted and malnourished Cambodians fleeing into Vietnam or to the Thai-Cambodia border, where they languished in refugee camps, fearing attacks from rebel forces that still besieged surrounding areas.
Thousands of miles away, in a Kailua living room, an American gentleman named Dana Lundquist was watching football on television when he saw one of the news reports during a station break. A second-generation Swedish-American, he had never been to Cambodia, nor did he know anyone from Cambodia. And yet, once he saw what had happened to the Cambodian people, he couldn’t get them out of his mind. He contacted a relief organization and offered to sponsor a Cambodian family – and soon had a family of seven living under his roof. That year turned out to be a watershed year for Mr. Lundquist as well, for throughout the next decade, he and his wife, Mary, and other members of the Lundquist family assisted more than a dozen Cambodian families in coming to Hawaii. The Lundquists didn’t know the Cambodians’ language, their cuisine, or their customs; all they knew is that they wanted to help.
This year’s theme is “Three Decades in the Islands.” On this Khmer New Year, we celebrate how far we have come during the past 30 years in Hawaii, and recognize and celebrate those who have helped us along the way.
Best wishes to all of you and your families for a Happy New Year! We hope to see you on the 18th.
New Year Traditions/Games, click here.
To read "The Legend of Cambodian New Year," click here.
New Year Messages:
Click on the links below to read various letters of support for Cambodian New Year 2008. More to come...
Khmer music and dance can be divided into three broad categories:
1) classical or court ensembles, which were traditionally performed for royalty;
2) folk or village ensembles, performed for local celebrations or ceremonies; and
3) vernacular dances or social ensembles which are enjoyed at social events.
Below are some of the dances that will be performed during our Khmer New Year 2009.
Classical Dance:
Blessing or Wishing Dance (Robam Choun Por):
A traditional dance, performed at the beginning of a ceremony to welcome and bless the audience. The blessing dance was originally performed only for the King and other members of the Royal Family, the leaders of the country and their official guests.
Dance of the Heavenly Gods and Goddesses for Happiness (Robam Tep Monorom):
This dance depicts Gods and Goddesses, dressed in their finest regalia, having a wonderful time dancing in heaven. Robam Tep Monorom is a dance typical of classical court dance. It features the dance (courting) gestures between the gods and goddesses in heaven. These types of gestures are also found throughout other classical court dances, in which a hero meets and courts hislover. The costumes also reflect thosethat the Khmer kings and queens would have worn. Robam Tep Monorom is a wonderful spectacle to watch as well as the most often performed dance.
Folk dance:
Flower of the World (Robam Bopha Lokei):
The words in the song accompanying this dance are translated as follows: Usually everybody wants flowers - For decoration or to decorate the body - The sweet scent of the flowers bring prosperity - The beauty of the flowers is like the beauty of the girls - Everybody admires the flowers - Even the bees surrounding the flowers want pollen - Flowers fully bloomed make you want to pick them and turn them into flower garlands.
Coconut Shell Dance (Robam Kuos Tralork):
The coconut dance is traditionally performed after working hard in the fields and on occasions such as Khmer New Year weddings. This dance, originally from Svay Rieng province, stages a ritual harvest celebration, when all the rice paddies are cut. It is highly rhythmical and punctuated with shouts and the rapping of coconuts.
Lady in Line (Robam Neary Chea Chuor):
A traditional Khmer dance of young Cambodian women wearing colorful and elegant costumes. The dance reminds the Khmer people of the rich culture that has been nourished through generations, and it is well known among the neighboring countries of South-East Asia.
Fishing Dance (Robam Nesat):
This lively folk dance originates from the provinces along Cambodia's largest lake, Tonle Sap in Siem Reap Province. It depicts the daily life of Khmer farmers and fishermen, who dance with traditional bamboo fishing equipment such as bamboo traps and baskets. A charming courting scene ends the piece with playful teasing among the young men and women, making this dance very popular among audiences. The dance portrays the natural abundance of the region, depicted by the fact that the fish are not caught with special equipment but with simple, hand made baskets. The dance also shows the good spirit of the dancers, who enjoy a happy time after fishing.
Vernacular dance:
New Year in April (Kai Chet Jol Chhnam):
Cambodians believe that choosing the right color of clothes for special occasions will bring them good luck and happiness. Traditionally, each day was associated with a specific color (see below).
Cambodian Textiles - Seven Colors for Seven Days:
Seven beautiful Cambodian ladies dressed in vibrant color pamoung for seven days of the week:
Sunday - Red
Monday - Yellow-Orange
Tuesday - Purple
Wednesday - Mustard-Green
Thursday - Green
Friday - Blue
Saturday - Burgundy
Hip Hop Performance:
Crew name: Epidemik
Performers:
Dances will be performed by members of CCH and the Cambodian Club at BYUH. Here are the names of some of our performers:
Bruce Prol Tham, Channavy Prak, Chantric Ariel Uch, Charanai Khuy, Davuth Haem, Eda Uong, Jennifer Ung, Jenny Pin, Jonas Orbiso, Justyn Seua, Kanika Ung, Kuntheary Kem, Lawrence Bennet, Monica Keo, Narom Phon, Neary Schnabel, Peter Rom Phan, Pheakdey Thong, Rey Tin, Ricky Horton, Sak Thach, Samnang Sea, Samphea Seua, Saron Pin, Savany Chum, Sitha Pen, Solida Lucey, Somnang Danh, Sophaneth Yorn, Sophann Pho, Sopheap Va, Vicheka Un
Live Band: Khmer Rainbow Band
The Khmer Rainbow Band (KRB) is made up of CCH individuals from all over the Island of Oahu. The KRB includes keyboard, guitars, drums, and vocals, with a repertoire ranging from traditional songs to contemporary arrangements. The KRB supports CCH by playing for traditional festivals, and is also available to perform for various lay functions on a fee-per-event basis.
Guest & Keynote Speakers:
Guest speakers: TBA
Keynote speaker: David Lundquist, Hardware Hawaii, President and Chief Executive Officer
In the 1980s, Dana and Mary Lundquist, founders of Hardware Hawaii in Kailua, assisted in bringing Cambodian refugee families to begin new lives in Hawaii. They opened their hearts and their homes to others from halfway around the world, knowing neither their language nor their customs, but only that they were in need of food, shelter, clothing - and kindness. We are extremely fortunate to have Mr. David Lundquist, one of Dana and Mary's sons, joining us for Khmer New Year 2009 to share this wonderful story of compassion and aloha.
Year of the Ox:
According to the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of 2009 is the Year of the Ox. The Ox, or the Buffalo sign symbolizes prosperity through fortitude and hard work. Those born under the influence of the Ox or Buffalo are fortunate to be stable and persevering. The typical Ox is a tolerant person with strong character. Not many people could equal the resolution and fearlessness that the Ox exhibits when deciding to accomplish a task. Ox people work hard without complaints at work or at home. They know that they will succeed through hard work and sustained efforts, and do not believe in get-rich-quick schemes.
Famous Ox People: Barack Obama, Catherine Freeman, Heather Locklear, Jane Fonda, Jack Nicholson, Juliette Lewis, Margaret Thatcher, Meg Ryan, Meryl Streep, Princess Diana, Vivien Leigh and George Clooney.
Make a Donation:
Admission to our New Year Event is free, but donations are welcome and appreciated. Donations are used to help offset the expenses for this event and future events. You can donate by check, payable to:
Cambodian Community of Hawaii (CCH)
P.O. Box 23023
Honolulu, HI 96823
Thank you for your support and generosity!
Sponsorship:
If you would like to place an ad in our program booklet as a sponsor, to help offset the expenses for the event, please contact us. We can print your business card, or help you to design an ad. Please email us for more information.
