Page "Culture of Cambodia" Paragraph 24

The traditional wedding is a long and colorful affair.

Formerly it lasted three days, but in the 1980s it more commonly lasted a day and a half.

Buddhist priests offer a short sermon and recite prayers of blessing.

Parts of the ceremony involve ritual hair cutting, tying cotton threads soaked in holy water around the bride's and groom's wrists, and passing a candle around a circle of happily married and respected couples to bless the union.

After the wedding, a banquet is held.

Newlyweds traditionally move in with the wife's parents and may live with them up to a year, until they can build a new house nearby.