Cambodian New Year celebrations in Long Beach include performances of traditional dance and music. This photo is a close up of a Hanuman mask, the Monkey King of the epic poem, Ramayana (known as Riemke in Khmer). The story tells of the banishment, travels, and return of Prince Rama and his wife Sida. Hanuman gathers all the monkeys to help Prince Rama rescue his wife Sida from Ravana. Originating in India, the Ramayana is now found throughout Southeast Asia.
Two men prepare to perform Chhayam, a lively call and response dance performance using primarily percussion instruments. The banner on the left has an image of the Buddha and reads Sua Sdey Chnam Tmey (Entering the New Year). The banner to the right shows the New Year Angel. Each year a new angel arrives to protect the people and bring the blessings.
Two Chhayam performers with their bowed, string instruments, called Tro. The sound box of the Tro can be made from a variety of materials. The man in green is holding a Tro made of coconut shell with a snake skin head. The man in blue and yellow is holding a Tro made of blackwood and ivory with metal trim.
Cambodian New Year celebrations in Long Beach include performances of traditional dance and music. This photo is a close up of a Hanuman mask. The performer that wears the mask is in the background dressed in white and gold. Hanuman is the Monkey King of the epic poem, Ramayana (known as Riemke in Khmer). The story tells of the banishment, travels, and return of Prince Rama and his wife Sida. Originating in India, the Ramayana is now found throughout Southeast Asia.
Performers help each other get dressed for their performances at Cambodian New Year in Long Beach. The woman is being helped with her kbun. An 8’ length of silk is wrapped around her waist toward the front. The length of cloth will be twisted and pulled to her back between her legs. It is held in place with a belt. See next photo.
