Cambodia Travel, Cambodia Tours, Cambodia Culture: The kites and Khmer ( Cambodian ) people
Eerie yet strangely soothing, a high pitch lullaby floats though the dark night. It is the sound of Khleng. Mr. Reun Sareth, manager of Phnom Penh’s Kite Museum, said kite flying as a religious ceremony has had a long history in Cambodia, from before the 4th century BC, until the reign of King Ang Doung (1840 – 1859).
[Image: Khmer Kite- Khlaeng Aek] Kite flying is still common in rural Cambodia, though city dwellers fly Khleng only at the end of the rainy season, Pithy Bon Om Tuk (water festival), Pithy Banghos Khleng (kite flying festival) and during full moon ceremonies. Farmers fly kites to celebrate a successful harvest and give their thanks to Preah Peay (god of the wind) Reun added. “[Preah Peay] brings the rain for the farmers to do their farming and stops the rain when they harvest,” he said. “On the occasion of kite flying, farmers are praying for good weather and a comfortable harvest. “ Of more than 20 kinds of kite, the most popular is Khleng Ek, also called Khleng Pnong. “Khleng Ek originated from Ethic P’nong [a north-eastern hill tribe] who flew them to pray to Preah Sen to help them in their farm world and get good crops,” said Reun. “Khleng Ek curve like hammocks and make sweet sounds when they catch the wind. khleng Ek are part of Khmer identity.” Made from inexpensive materials such as bamboo and bee’s wax, Khleng Ek come equipped with Ek, a simple instrument which produces melodic tones as the kite flies. Farmers often fly Khleng Ek and Khleng Kaum (lantern kites) above open field at night, trudging home to chat with family and friends accompanied by the mellifluous tones and rich glow of the kites. Rural Cambodians also fly kite during the dry season, from November to March, because rice fields are dry and covered only with stubble, although there is no religious symbolism involved, said Neun, just “peace and happiness.” Cambodian children can be seen flying Khleng Kandong (tailless kites), khleng Kantaung (pouch kites), Khleng Prabao (packet kites, Khleng Hloh (parasol kites) on windy days because these are easy to get airborne without the help of an adult. Though variants of Khmer can be seen throughout south-east Asia, only the kite Museum, established in late 2003, has examples of every style. “We established the kite museum because we want to keep the tradition of Khmer kites safe for the younger generation,” Neun said. It is part of the national identity. Moreover, we are proud of our culture and want to show it to foreign tourists. The Kite Museum is playing very important role in this.” More than just a glass-case display, the museum explains construction techniques, religious significance, and history of Khmer kites. “We want to teach people how to make and fly kites, “explained Neun. “Sometimes we go outside to teach people, if they ask. We are happy to do it.” International promotion of the little-known culture is also a priority. Khmer Khleng Ek have appeared 18 times in international kite festivals since 1994, including events held in France, Italy, the UK, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and China. Regardless of its growing renown, kite flying is an entertainment enjoyed by all, a pastime many see as an expression of peace and freedom.
Whenever there is free time, kites will dot the sky – some Khmers say Khleng Ek represents the mother of Cambodians. “Khleng Ek not only adds color to Khmer culture, they also convey a symbolic idea of peace and unity to young Cambodians and across the world too,” Neun said. “I hope that soon everyone around the world will know about our Khleng Ek.”
Cambodia tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/cambodia/tours/
Vietnam tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/vietnam/tours/
Laos tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/laos/tours/
Read more...
