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 is then twisted and pulled to her back between her legs. It is held in place with a belt. See next photo.
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 behind it dressed in white and gold. Hanuman is the Monkey King of the epic poem, Ramayana (known as Reamker 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.
Preparing for a ceremony at Wat Orange, Long Beach, CA. The ceremony is being held outside because the temple is in a former house, which is too small to accommodate all the visitors.
Buddhist monks eat only once a day, and they may not cook for themselves. In Cambodia, monks walk through the village each morning with their alms bowls (pictured) into which villagers will place food. Receiving their food in this way is part of the monk’s discipline in humility, while villagers earn merit for their action of giving. This activity is difficult to perform in the U.S., so many temples have made alms giving and receiving a symbolic offering part of other ceremonies. The monks will stand in a row, while the practitioners file by placing a spoonful of rice in each monks’ alms bowl.
A ceremony at Wat Willow in Long Beach, CA. Only a few Cambodian Buddhist temples have been built in the U.S. Most are located in former homes, churches, or commercial buildings that have been renovated. Wat Willow is located in a former Union Hall.
