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This website reflects my own personal views and not that of the U.S. Government nor, more specifically, the Peace Corps.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

A Small Explanation Missing: The Meaning of Water Festival

The Meaning of Water Festival:

There are two differences to note:

1) Thailand and Laos celebrate Water Festival along with their New Year (which is the same time as Cambodia), yet all three have similar practices.

2) Cambodia's Water Festival means something COMPLETELY different.

Since the New Year (which takes place in the middle of April) in this small SE Asian clump is so close to the beginning of the rainy season, both Thailand and Laos call it Water Festival. They splash you with talcum powder and water to signify a fresh start and the hopeful beginning of a very wet rainy season.

Though Cambodia takes part in these practices, they celebrate their Water Festival in November, which signifies and glorifies a 12 century naval victory led under King Javayarman VII. It is also a thanks to the river.

Hope that helped.

Talk to you soon,
Garrett

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