Monorom Neth’s mother, Om Van, and Monorom sitting on the couch, spending time together. He was probably 15 years old. Photo was taken in Bellflower, CA 1986.
Monorom Neth after his ordination as a novice monk in the first Cambodian Buddhist temple in Lakewood, CA 1985. As a monk he must rise early to chant and meditate, he cannot eat anything after noon, and he may not touch any females, including his mother and sisters. Monorom completed this ceremony to honor his parents. The entire family participated in the ordination ceremony.
Monorom Neth (in orange robes) after completing the ordination ceremony as a novice Buddhist monk, at the Cambodian Buddhist temple in Lakewood, CA 1985. Present in the photo are Monorom’s sisters Somealy Neth (3rd from left) and Somealea (4th from left); his brother, Sakarl Neth (3rd from rt); his mother, Om Van (2nd from rt); and various cousins. The woman with the green shirt is Monorom’s oldest sister, Sovamma Neth.
Monorom Neth’s mother, Om Van, is the last to carry Monorom’s robes into the temple sanctuary in Lakewood, CA 1985. In Cambodia, it was customary for every young Cambodian male to shave their head and spend some time as a novice monk. The merit the young man earns by becoming a monk was transferred to his parents, especially his mother. The ordination of a son is a prized gift for a mother and it is clear how happy Monorom’s mother is.
Monorom Neth’s ordination ceremony to become a novice monk, at the first Cambodian Buddhist temple, located in Lakewood, CA, in 1985. The ordination ceremony occurs in stages. At this stage, Monorom’s hair and eyebrows have been shaved to help eliminate vanity. His sister, Somealea, is walking with him to the main sanctuary where he will be ordained. She carries his robes on a silver tray. The robes are protected by an embroidered and beaded covering called “trai.” His other sister, Somealy, will also take a turn carrying the robes. The next stage will be to appear before the elder monks who will lead Monorom through the ceremony and from whom he will receive blessings and his robes. Following this, he will discard his old clothes, change into his robes, and return to the sanctuary as a novice monk. He will receive final blessings and acceptance from the monks, as well as well wishes from those in attendance.
Monorom Neth’s class picture of perhaps the 7th grade at Nuffler Elementary School in Norwalk, CA 1983. He is standing at the far left of the first row in the plaid shirt and was probably 12 years old. His teacher, to the far right, was Mr. Roman. Monorom remembers being bullied by some classmates. He did not stay in touch with any of them after his family moved.
