When I was in Cambodia, I was told that most Cambodians don't celebrate their birthdays ... particularly those in rural areas. However, I purchased the above card from a street vendor for Sara's birthday and was told that cards were mostly for foreigners.
I stumbled across Khem Vansinin's blog entry about her birthday party. So, I want to ask again - how do, if at all, Cambodians in Cambodia celebrate their birthdays?
How do you say the word birthday in Cambodia? What customs or songs are sung? Do you have parties?
In the US, we get a cake with candles that we blow out. We might have a party and get presents.
I want to know because it's my birthday today!
Happy Birthday Beth!(A bit late to say so as I've just checked your blog today)
In Cambodia we say "Rirk reay tgnai kourp komnert" or, like the khmer script you display," Soursdey tgnai kourb komnert!".
The word "Birthday" in Khmer would be " tgnai komnert".(Tgnai=day, Komnert=birth)
Yeah, usually we have party, with cake and presents. It's a new culture-well, western culture to be exact. But it's really fun.
By the way, your daughter sara is adorable.
Posted by: seserak | January 12, 2006 at 03:01 AM
Happy birthday, Beth, and many happy returns from a fellow Capricorn.
Posted by: EthanZ | January 13, 2006 at 12:27 PM
Hi Beth, Happy belated birthday!The whole four months that I was at Wat Opot we never celebrated any birthdays. But, most of the kids did not know when they were born and went by the Khmer New Year. I will see what I can find out.
Posted by: Shelly | January 15, 2006 at 07:30 PM