FresnoMay 9, 2014
The sounds of traditional Cambodian music resonate in the unseasonably hot spring air, as guests make their way around the Cambodian Temple of Fresno. If you listen to the rhythm of the music carefully, you'll even hear traces of Elvis Presley, as his rock 'n' roll sound heavily influenced the 1960s Cambodian music scene.
It is the second weekend in April and the beginning of the annual Cambodian New Year festivities, celebrated locally and all over the world. While those in the United States are accustomed to hearing the chanting of the countdown as the clock strikes midnight — here at the temple, you are instead met with the chanting of the Buddhist monks as they recite their prayers in perfect unison.
For three days, families and individuals come together to bid adieu to the past and welcome in the new year. Offerings of food, such as rice, fruits and sweet desserts, are presented to the monks. In return, these families receive blessings for the new year, with hopes of prosperity, good health and fulfillment for the impending year.
The lingering smell of incense fills the warm air, as families light candles and burn incense. Later, they kneel before the statue of Buddha to pay homage and offer thanks for the many blessings and teachings bestowed on them.
Beautiful and bright colors in shades of purple, pink, red and blue, embellished with silver or gold thread, adorn the intricate silk and lace fabrics of the men, women and children in attendance as they don traditional Cambodian dress. Some wear sampots, also known as sarongs, a style that is popular in the countryside and also a staple in many Cambodian households in America. The younger crowd can be seen wearing kramas, a type of thin checkered scarf, which is worn in the countryside to protect farmers from the heat. Here in America, it serves as a modern-day fashion accessory for stylish youths.
In another area, young girls stand together on stage, wearing elegant Cambodian clothing and decorated in stunning gold jewelry from head to toe. They are performing the "Wishing Dance," a performance steeped deep in history and tradition. They move slowly and delicately to the music, taking soft strides, and extending their curled fingers outward in perfect sequence. They look majestic and for a second, you become entranced in the beauty of the culture.
Just a few miles down south, along Highway 99, another New Year celebration is taking place at the Thai and Lao temples, respectively. The Thai, Lao and Cambodian New Year occurs at the same time every April.
The food, of course, is always popular, as beef sticks, curry and papaya salad make their debut. There is just something about seeing the traditional foods of Cambodia on sale in little booths that is a reminder of how it must be back in the Cambodian provinces, where streetside vendors can be seen offering delicacies of all types.
However, although traditional in the motherland, there are no deliciously seasoned fried crickets or worms offered at these stands. Instead, you are greeted with a smile and a blessing, as you take your food.
Fresno is a melting pot of colors, home to many ethnicities and cultures — and each is well represented during their individual New Year celebrations. Perhaps the biggest and most well- known New Year in town is the International Hmong New Year that occurs in late December of every year.
Although these various cultures hold different traditions, you'll notice they share certain similarities. Examples of this include the silk, detailed fabric of the traditional clothing and also the essence of the dance moves — as all seem to be guided by interlocking fingers and slow, but elegant, movement of the feet.
Perhaps that is what makes this city, home to more than 500,000 individuals, so special. The beauty of Fresno simply stems from diversity — and a shared pride of long-standing tradition.
Melissa Tav, a graduate of Fresno State, is marketing and community relations coordinator at United Way of Fresno County.
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