Traditional Song Lyrics and Ritual Actions in Cambodian Weddings

This paper presents part of a fieldwork on traditional Khmer wedding music conducted in Phnom Penh. Traditional Cambodian weddings consist of a succession of rituals which symbolize different aspects of marriage. Khmer wedding music (phleng kar) is the lifeblood of the wedding ceremony, since it not only accompanies the wedding rituals, but also describes and prescribes the ritual scenes. The meaning of phleng kar song lyrics is the result of Khmer popular wisdom and reflects socio-cultural values. This paper aims to show the vital role of traditional song lyrics, within the context of Cambodian wedding ceremonies and with regard to Khmer society and culture in general.