A True Cambodian Experience!

I think attending a Buddhist Pagoda with my host family was one of my best days I have had yet. I really felt like I was able to experience both Buddhist and Cambodian Culture. Let me start with the fact that I was the only western person in attendance. To make is worse I asked if I should wear anything special and they said no. When I got there every single women was wearing dark pants or skirt and a white shirt. You will see I was wearing a black shirt. I kind of feel like I was a spectacle. Beware that my understanding of the ceremony was limited. I asked a tons of questions but often people were unable to explain it to me in English or I was just confused and did not understand. Either was is was an awesome experience.

The ceremony was designed to support monks living in this pagoda and this event occurs once per year at each Pagoda. The ceremony was held in the province outside of Phnom Penh. The day began with a procession from the city at 6:00 am behind a truck full of musicians and dancers. At this point I really had no idea what was going on, but it was exciting. When we arrived at the Pagoda we were welcomed my school children each waving flags. The Pagoda was alive with musicians, dancers and many street vendors. The event included lots of food and every person including my entire host family and all of their friends were on a mission for me to eat a ton and try everything. I felt like I needed to be rolled out of there. I truly have no idea what I was eating, some was good some was not but I had a grin on my face the entire time.

Ceremony in Pagoda

Throughout the day there were dancers and musicians through out the Pagoda grounds. Above is a video. From what I understand the goal of the dancers was to welcome guests and to raise money. Hence you can see a picture with me and a Dancer (Giant) with money in his mouth. I tried to ask questions about the significance of the masks and the idea of the Giant but I was given limited information.

The most interesting part of the day was the procession of gifts to the actual Pagoda. You walk in bare feet around the Pagoda three times (not sure why it is three times). Those with gifts to offer carry them on their head. The gift boxes included gifts for the monks. My host family filled their gift with toiletries and money. After the procession everyone went up the stairs of the Pagoda and people throw money from the top of the building down to begging children. This was an amazing site to see. Literally money fall from the sky. This done to show the importance of giving to those that are less fortunate than yourself. Following this ritual I participated in the Buddhist ceremony in the Pagoda, however I had no idea what was going on.


Check out the pictures below. Sorry if my explanation makes no sense. I just know that it was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. The ritualistic experience is unlike anything I have ever seen. It was a true honor to be invited to participate.

Beginning of the procession to the Pagoda in Phnom Penh

Gift for the Monks

Dancers and Musicians

Buddha

Giant getting donations in his money (not sure why they put them in his mouth)

Monks from Pagoda

Friends of my host family

Procession of gifts to the Pagoda

Money literally falling from the sky!

One of the children with his money

                                                                          

The Actual Pagoda

My Entire Host Family. Wow I look tall!

The day continued with lunch on the river with my host family and many of their friends. Yes we ate again, by this time it was my third full meal of the day! I say truly say I have never been this full ever in my life. However while were were there I discovered the best thing I have eaten here. It was like a waffle but it was made with rice flour and coconut. I am working on getting the recipe from my host family to recreate these. It was AMAZING. I ate three even though I was so full. So let me tell you that we ate a bunch of other stuff including a whole fish and fried chicken. This fried chicken is not like the bucket of KFC you might be thinking of. It was literal a friend chicken, meaning it was fried in oil then cut up including the feet and head. I was interesting to see people fighting over who would get to eat the head and feet. As you my of guessed I was not part of this arguing. It was truly an experience.

We ate in a hut on the river

Bridge to the hut

The chicken head I did not eat

The entire day was AMAZING!!!!!!!!!! My host family and all of their friends made me feel so welcomed and gave me a true Cambodian experience. While I stayed with this family I never had a conversation with the parents or the grandmother but I still felt a connection with them. The interaction of language and cultural differences and the use of facial expression and body language are phenomenal things. I am so happy I had an opportunity to meet this fantastic family and I look forward to staying in touch with them.