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Although the people of Cambodia have suffered a lot under the regime of Pol Pot, they are very positive and charming. Their beautiful smile remains in your memory. Cambodians have their own habits and culture as we describe in the following items.
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Khmer
Cambodians speak Khmer. Perhaps a better term for Cambodians is: the people of Khmer. It's a polyglot language, incorporating many words of French origin. This comes from its history as a colony of France. The roots of the Khmer writing are based upon the ancient Indian language, Sanskrit. |
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Khmer scarf (Kra-seing)
This is a scarf with white little squares that you can only find in Cambodia. Cambodians use this scarf in many ways. They wear it on their head against the heat. They use it as a napkin for their babies. The scarf is also often used as a towel. |
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Cutlery or chopsticks?
Cambodians always eat on the wooden floor in their pile-house. They have a special sitting posture. Men always adopt the " lotus position". Women sit with both legs sideways. This posture is related to the Buddhist way of life. In ancient times poor people used their hands to eat but nowadays a spoon is commonly used. They don't use a fork or a knife. Rich people on the contrary eat rice with chopsticks. |
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Ants, crickets and spiders on the menu card
Each year in July the season of the spiders starts. Under the regime of Pol Pot food was scarce so people were even forced to eat their pets. Spiders became a delicious meal. Today spiders are still considered as a delicacy. At the market you can buy roasted spiders. Also ants and especially eggs of ants are offered as delicacies. Ruan’s mother prepared a meal of if for us and to be honest...it is delicious! |
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Angelina Jolie
The Angelina Jolie film, Tomb Raider was filmed in the timeless temples and ancient overgrown jungles of Angkor Wat. Her time in Cambodia clearly affected Ms Jolie. She has since taken an active interest in serious issues both locally and globally. Over recent years she has adopted an orphaned Cambodian child and worked tirelessly to highlight other urgent issues such as the danger of landmines, the plight of refugees and children with HIV. She does not only donate money but also devotes a lot of her time: she visits the affected areas and uses her influence to help improve governmental policies. Her efforts have resulted in her being awarded Cambodian nationality and the adoration of the local king. |
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Making presents.
In western countries we usually give presents to each other at parties. Cambodians mostly make presents that you can eat. Such as a banana-leaf filled with rice, sweet fruit or grease of pigs.
Cambodians celebrate new year only in the middle of April. It is celebrated over three days. One of the rituals is throwing water at each other. |
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