Sah Paun’ s Wedding : Part 1

A Photographic Journey Through a Khmer Wedding In Cambodia

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Read Part 2

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Day 1– Tuesday Afternoon , February 19, 2013

 The Wedding of Sah Paun and Vwin February 20th, 2013 in  Cambodia

Last week was all about Sah Paun and Vwin’s wedding. You may remember my post on Sah Paun’s engagement. Finally, the wedding day has arrived. In a series of posts this week, I’ll share with you the images and as best I can an explanation of this Cambodian wedding’s ceremonies and traditions.

Cambodian or Khmer weddings are long and intricate affairs often lasting for days. They are full of color, festivity, and steeped in tradition. I’ve been to several wedding celebrations, but only to the reception party. This is my first time experiencing a Khmer wedding in its entirety.

Sah PaunJanuary through March is known as wedding season in Cambodia. Choosing the appropriate time to marry is quite an elaborate affair. Families consult fortunetellers, feng shui masters, and Buddhist holy monks to determine the most auspicious date, time, and other ceremonial arrangements. The rainy season from May to October is usually avoided as the heavy rains make it difficult for the reception, procession, and other ceremonies. It is also challenging for travel and farmers are usually busy with their fields.

Weddings traditionally consisted of ceremonies and celebrations lasting three days and three nights. Cambodians consider three an especially auspicious number because of its association with the “three jewels” of Buddhism: the Buddha, the Sangha (brotherhood of monks), and the Dharma (the Buddha’s teachings). Due to the demands of contemporary life however, Cambodian wedding ceremonies are now often completed in just one or two days. Although there may be some regional differences, all Khmer weddings share some essential similarities with some being bigger than others. Sah Paun and Vwin’s wedding, a mix of old and new traditions, is one of the bigger, lasting two days, hosting over 800 guests, and costing almost $30,000.

Day 1 – Tuesday February 19, 2013

The Wedding tent
A large truck arrives in the morning, a bunch of guys jump out and run round all day erecting a huge tent that spans across the road in front of the house and consuming most of the neighbors front yard as well.

WeddingFood

Cambodian wedding kitchen
Cambodian wedding kitchen pots

Stock piles of food that have been accumulating over the last few days are moved out to the improvised kitchen in the neighbors yard.  A small army of cooks start the prep work and light fires under the massive pots that cook all the food that will be served over the next two days.

Sah Pauns grandparents construct an alter piece
Sah Paun’s grandparents construct an alter piece made from pieces of banana tree to be used in the first ceremony of the wedding.

Sien Doan Taa – Call to Ancestors

“Today is a beautiful day
And the arrangements are ready.
We offer these gifts
Inviting you to join us
And shower us with your blessings.”

Sien Doan Taa - Call to Ancestors ceremony at a Khmer wedding

In Khmer culture, family bonds are very important, and a marriage is the inclusion of a couple into their new families. Family is called upon to share in this celebration and offer their blessings. This ceremony also calls forth those who have passed away, both family and friends, to offer their blessings and observe the wedding.

Soat Mun – Blessings from the Monks

Soat Mun – Blessings from the Monks ceremony

In this ceremony, two monks invoke blessings that have been specifically chosen for the couple. The couple is showered with flowered water periodically by the monks as the couple and attending close family are blessed. This is a solemn occasion and guests and the couple remain quiet, with their heads bowed and their hands in prayer.

Soat Mun – Blessings from the Monks ceremony

The ceremony completes with Sah Paun and Vwin offering their thanks to the monks.

Sah Paun resting between ceremonies at her wedding

Traditional Khmer musicians playing at a Cambodian wedding
As the first afternoon turns to night, musicians play and sing traditional Khmer songs as dinner is served to the family. I quite enjoyed this alternative to the habitual loud pre-recorded pop music that I usually hear blaring from the loudspeakers of weddings and events.

preparing offerings
The music continues into the night as relatives assemble gifts of flowers, fresh fruit, candies, and other decorations arranged on silver and gold platters. The platters are often placed on the floor or a table in front of the bride and groom and will be used tomorrow during ceremonies.

Wrinkles

It was an exhausting first day, and even Sah Paun’s new puppy was done.

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Read Part 2


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