Cambodian style

Imagine this… back packs on, joggers, three layers of mozzy spray, nervous, first time travellers and ALOT of pink layered satin.

Yep, that was myself, my step mother, sister and cousin last week - white faced and being gawked at for walking straight through the middle of a traditional Cambodian/Khmer wedding. Mind you - it was in an alley way where cars and pedestrians usually travel through. And because it wasn't too awkward the first time (yeah right), we decided that the only way to get back to our hotel was to walk through it again. (Idiots huh?) At least, the second time through, we were pretty much guests by then. Welcomed, smiled at and at least waved to.

About 20 metres away from the reception was the cooking area, where they served and prepared the meals. Lets just say it was a vacant block that hadn't been mowed for a while, mostly dirt and rock with possibly a few stray animals. It had a good ol' marquee, some pots, a gas cooker and a guy with no shirt, no shoes and a smoke hanging out the side of this mouth… *Can you picture it?* It got me thinking about how different weddings are here in Australia. There isn't anything wrong with a good pig on the spit in a back yard, but this wedding took the DIY and family favours to another level.

Later on that week we met with Kusal, a villager from one of the nearby towns. We just had to ask him if he was married? Does he have kids? You know, the stuff that would make most stranger think... WHAT THE HECK are these chicks on? Weddings there last for over a week. They celebrate every day. All in their wedding attire. The bride and groom can change up to 10 times in one day - (this is when being a dress maker in Cambodia would be beneficial.) Kusal began to tell us about his traditions and how 'choosing' your life partner isn't as easy as just falling in love with someone.

70% of marriages in Cambodia are still arranged by their parents or by family members. And other 30% you wonder? Well, they have that shot at marrying their 'love', but not without jumping through a few hoops first. You're whisked off to see a fortune teller and date analyst (they have a fancy name for them in Khmer, but for the life of me I can't think of it… anyways…) you give the 'date analyst' your birthdays, where you are from etc etc etc. If your numbers do not 'match' and they can see divorce, troubles, poor wealth, then you are forced to move on. Shocking huh? Imagine, you've met the love of your life, you take them home to meet the parents and family, set a date, get all excited... then... POOF… no wedding for you lady! My face pretty much said how I was feeling. Poor Kusal nearly choked me with shock.

I know in our society not all families agree on the one you have chosen to marry and every relationship has its 'rocky' moments… but if your dates didn't align, would that be enough for you to leave?

Until next time.
Ah-koon (Thank you)

Kassi