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Khmer New Year 2005
About the Cambodian Community of Hawaii (CCH)
 To be Khmer (Cambodian) is to be a descendant of some of the world's finest architects and craftsmen, who created the massive temple complexes of the Angkor period (9th to 15th centuries) in northern Cambodia. Creative and talented artisans lined the bas-reliefs of Angkor with dancing apsara, beautiful celestial nymphs who in Khmer cosmology mediate between humans and gods. In stone they carved likenesses of the musicians and instruments of the pin peat court ensemble-oboes, xylophones, gongs, and drums, playing in stately accompaniment--commemorating the significance of music and dance in Khmer life. Through our New Year celebration, we recreate and share these traditions with the larger community.
 There are approximately 60 Cambodian families living in Hawaii. While this number is small compared to other states, such as California and Massachusetts, whose populations number in the tens of thousands, the Khmer community here continues to commemorate their heritage at this Khmer New Year celebration through dance and song. The traditions are true cultural treasures, with much knowledge no longer documented in written or visual form. By reestablishing these traditions, the CCH promotes and preserves Khmer culture for future generations.
 The CCH advocates understanding among people of Khmer heritage and those who bear interest in Cambodia and/or her culture and people. Based in Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, the community welcomes inquiries from Cambodians from all islands in the state of Hawaii and throughout the United States.
The CCH has shown great resilience and determination, often in the face of extreme hardship. Year after year, with limited resources, in terms of both people and funding, we take the time to celebrate and to show our appreciation for all we have accomplished. Once again, we have come together to commemorate the beginning of a New Year-and the beginning of new opportunities, goals, and dreams.
 Our community members represent a multitude of different professions-from farmer, to accountant, to professor, to entrepreneur. Indeed, the Cambodians in Hawaii have diversified and contribute to American culture in many ways. Our children attend American schools, study American history, and take pride in their successes in moving towards achieving the American dream. Yet despite outward changes, we always bear in mind the following statement: We are Khmer. While we have adjusted our practices to fit our lives in the United States, we continue to celebrate our identity as Khmer.
Cambodian culture is unique in the world. Our dance, song, music, clothing, and perhaps most importantly, our history, are distinctive and exceptional, and it is these aspects of our identity-our spirit--that we honor today, and will continue to honor in years to come.
For more information about New Year Traditions and Games, click here?
To read "The Legend of Cambodian New Year," click here
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