Cambodian Community Day

Looking Back. Moving Forward.

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    Contact Info

    12739 Knightsbridge Dr Woodbridge, VA 22192

    Ben Bao:      (571) 276-9630
    Sophia Tep:  (571) 422-7972
    Chanthary Koch:  (202) 390-9016
    Ithara Phlong: (240) 888-1053
    Email: ccdinfo@cambodiancommunityday.org

     

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Welcome to CCD

Cambodian Community Day (CCD) is a 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization established to promote, present and preserve our rich Cambodian culture. CCD seeks to integrate Khmer culture into American society to ensure the continuation of Cambodian cultural heritage, especially among Cambodian-American youths. We also work to strengthen Cambodian voice, empower Cambodian communities, bridge distances, heal rifts and build bonds among Khmers and other ethnic groups.

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Cambodian Cultural Night

There is no cultural activity schedule at this time. Please use our Photo Gallery menu to access our past cultural performances.

Cambodian Genocide Memorial

We have joined a partnership with Ratanaransi Buddhist Temple, Virginia, and a group of Cambodian enthusiasts to build a Cambodian genocide memorial at Ratanaransi Buddhist Temple ground.

President Message: Happy Cambodian Cultural Festival

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DearFriends and Families,

Welcome to the Cambodian Cultural Festival 2018. On behalf of Cambodian Community Day (CCD) members and Board of Directors, It is our pleasure to invite you to come and join us at Cambodian Festival on Sunday October 7, 2018 to celebrate our rich culture and heritage. 2018 is a remarkable year for us at CCD. We work so hard to promote, present, and preserve Cambodian culture in America and elswhere in the world. 

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 Click here for CCD performance schedule.

Click here for an offsite parking information.

Yeekae Kolab Pailin

yeekae kolab pailinWelcome to the Cambodian Cultural Festival of 2018. It is free and open to all. This year, we bring you another type of entertainment: a Yeekae entitled “Kolab Pailin”. Yeekae is a Cambodian musical show that tells a story through a traditional music and dance. It also faces extinction. The story is a Cambodian literature written by Mr. Nhok Them. It contains lots of cultural and educational values. Never before the story is used in a form of Yeekae (yike) art. We are the first one.
 
 
What is Yeekae?   

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The story of "Kolab Pailin" 

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The Khmer Magic Music Bus

khmer magic music busA group of Cambodian musicians, the Khmer Magic Music Bus, will be visiting USA from October 24 to November 13, 2018. It is part of "arts4peace" tour organized by Cambodian Living Arts. CCD will host a meet-n-greet event at Cambodian Buddhist Temple of Silver Spring, 13800 New Hampshore Ave, Silver Spring MD 20904 Sunday November 11, 2018 2-5 PM. Contact Kunthary DeGaiffier 202-413-6461.
 

Click here for flyer.

Lakhon Bassac "Tip Sangva"

lakhon bassacWelcome to the Cambodian Cultural Festival of 2017. It is free and open to all. Whether you have an earnest desire to learn more about the rich Cambodian culture, the oldest in Southeast Asia, or simply are looking to have fun for one Sunday, this is an event you do not want to miss. This year, among many other dances, we have a pleasure to bring you a Cambodian traditional dance opera entitled Lakhon Bassac "Tip Sangva". This type of Cambodian entertainment was once popular in Cambodia in the old days, but now, according to UNESCO, it is almost extinct. Our mission is to promote, present and preserve Cambodian culture. This year we have a great opportunity to do just that to revitalize this traditional entertainment. 
 
What is Lakhon Bassac?   

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The story of "Tip Sangva" 

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The Story of Tum Teav

tum teav

Tum Teav story is not a legend or a make-up story. It is based on a true story that actually happened during the Cambodia Lonvek era, an obscure era following a downfall of the glorious Angkor era starting from 1431. Lonvek era ends in 1593 when Cambodia moved its capital from Lonvek in the province of Kampong Chhnang to Oudong in the province of Kampong Speu after Siam conquered it.
We do not know exactly in what year the story happened. Most Cambodians believe to be a 16th century tragic love story that captured Cambodian people’s attention. The story had been told by word of mouth until a written version came to life in the early 20th century. According to the Cambodian Buddhist Institute, a well-known research and publication organization in Cambodia, there are two versions of the story. 

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VOA Coverage of CCD 15th Anniversary

CCD group

We have reached a milestone this year because tonight marks 15 years that CCD has been in existence, promoting, presenting and preserving Cambodian culture and its arts in the Washington DC metro area. We could not have accomplished this without Khmer community in the area. We are so grateful for their continuing support. 
Our annual Cambodian Community Day attracts thousands of people of each year. It is a showcase of programs that promote the vitality of Khmer arts and culture. CCD does not receive any grants from any organizations or government. We only receive small donation from the public. The sheer energy to produce these shows and programs are from all our dedicated volunteers who share the same passion and philosophy. They have an exemplary mindset to serve others without wanting anything in return.

Their dedication to the community and mission to CCD can be summed up in this video presentation.

Many thanks to VOA Khmer news for covering this event. Click here to watch the event coverage.

Angkor Wat best tourist attraction in the world

angkor wat
Angkor Wat was just named the best tourist attraction in the world. Lonely Planet just announced its list of the 500 best attractions on the planet, and Cambodia's Temples of Angkor took first place.
;
 

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Boat found in Siem Reap believed to be 800 years old

CCD group

An ancient boat discovered in March in Siem Reap province’s Angkor Thom district, which until now perplexed scientists over its origin, has been identified as being built more than 800 years ago. It was made in 1207 AD, according to carbon dating results announced on Friday June 24, 2016. The 809-year-old vessel was carved from a single tree trunk during the reign of King Jayavarman VII.

 

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A Special Concert of Cambodian Musicians Sunday May 1st, 2016

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A performance of Cambodia's most outstanding young musicians from the Cambodian Living Arts (CLA) is taking place on Sunday, May 1st from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Cambodian Buddhist Temple 13800 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20904. Admission is free. Please RSVP at https://cla-washington-may01.eventbrite.com.
 
You have an opportunity to meet Arn Chorn Pond, the founder of CLA. He will give a short lecture on his personal story "Child of War, Man of Peace" and discuss how music saved his life as a child under the Khmer Rouge regime and how he has since used music and the arts to spearhead the recovery and growth of Cambodia's traditional arts.
 
This is a unique opportunity for us of the DC area to meet the group. They were the ones who organized the Season of Cambodia in New York City in 2013. For more information about CLA, please visit their site: http://www.cambodianlivingarts.org/
 
Click here for the flyer.

Phare, The Cambodian Circus US Tour

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September 14  November 2, 2015

Siem Reap Cambodia, September 2, 2015. Phare, The Cambodian Circus is proud to announce that it will conduct its first tour of the USA between September 26 and November 2, 2015. The centerpiece of the tour will be performances of Khmer Metal, a critically acclaimed production internationally, at the Ringling International Arts Festival in Sarasota, Florida on October 16, 17 and 18, 2015. It will also perform Khmer Metal at selected venues in Northern and Southern California and in Washington, DC.

About Phare.

 

 

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Culture and Heritage News

Airborne laser reveals hidden city in Cambodia

Towers of the legendary Angkor Wat temple are seen north of Siem Reap provincial town, about 230 kilometers, 143 miles, northwest of the capital Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

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The Origin of the Number Zero

Deep in the jungle, an intrepid scholar locates a symbol of power and mystery.

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More News



 

For a limited time only, Rose Armour, an independent distributor of Forever Living Products, will donate 35% of sales generated through CCD if you email the order confirmation to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Buy Forever Living Products and help your community. Great gifts for Mother's Day and every occasion are available.

 

 
 

Bonn Chrot Preah Nangkol

Cambodians are predominantly farmers, so this ritual is very popular as it is an agrarian festival in Cambodia. The ceremony is held in the third week of May, the beginning of rainy season when farmers get ready for the rice planting season.

The Royal Ploughing Ceremony is done according to Satra, a book of traditions, that Cambodian should consult before taking any action. It is solemnly celebrated at the beginning of the sowing and planting season to signify a deep connection with the earth and the farming. There is a deep astrological belief that the Royal Ox has an instrumental role in determining the fate of the agricultural harvest each year. The ceremony is also an occasion held to pray gods for good harvest.

The ceremony is rooted in Brahman's believe of a five-days feast. On the 1st day of the waning moon, the Brahmans conduct feasting at the five decorated canopies positioned at five compass points: East, Southeast, Southwest, Northwest, and Northeast. After the five days of the Brahman feast, the King initiates the ploughing to ensure success in farming for all his people.

The King assumes a role of Sdach Miech and the Queen assumes a role of Preah Mehour. If the King and Queen are not able to attend, a representative and his wife assume roles of Sdach Miech and Preah Mehour to do the duty. Sdech Miech sits on Preah Salieng and Preah Mehour sits on a hammock like litter.

In the ceremony, the King ploughs a field and the Queen sows seeds behind as pinpeat music is playing. Citizens are watching so anxiously to learn the outcome of the astrological harvest prediction.

Before plowing, Sdech Miech and Preah Mehour pay their respects at the decorated canopy located to the Southwest. The ceremony is based around three ploughs: the leading plough is called Nangkol Yong, the second one is ploughed by the king. Preah Mehour walks following the third plough, sowing the rice seeds carried by one of her aids. Pin Peat continues playing Bot Klom until the procession has been around the Royal rice-fields three times.

The ploughing stops at the decorated canopy located in the East and the king pays his respects again and then returns to his seat.

After plowing, a royal servant drives a two Royal Ox to holy trays that contains rice, corn, bean, sesame, grass, water and wine. The oxen are expected to consume those foods and beverages. At the same time, the royal soothsayers or a group of Brahmans make predictions using the holy cows. These predictions are based on what the holy cows eat.

If the oxen:

  1. drink water, it means there will be enough rain for rice planting;
  2. eat rice, it means a good harvest for farmers in the year ahead;
  3. eat soybeans, it means a bountiful harvest of soybeans;
  4. eat sesame, it means a bountiful harvest of sesame;
  5. eat corn, it means a bountiful harvest of corn;
  6. eat grass, it means disease will prevail over the nation;
  7. drink wine, it means the nation will suffer at the hands of gangsters, robbers, or drunkards.

Plough 1

Plough 1

Plough 1

Plough 1

Plough 1

Plough 1

Plough 1

 

Sources:

  • http://www.asiarooms.com/en/travel-guide/cambodia/phnom-penh/sightseeing-in-phnom-penh/bonn-chroat-preah-nongkoal-in-phnom-penh.html
  • http://www.embassyofcambodia.org.nz/ploughingceremony.htm
  • Photo courtesy of http://www.frizz-restaurant.com/

You Can Help

All donations are tax-deductible to the extent of the law. A financial statement is available upon written request from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer services, Office of Charitable and Regulatory Programs.

 

 

Communities

VOA News Coverage - CCD 2012 (click on pictures)

Voice of America/Khmer: Dr Chanthourn Thuy

A Khmer Archaeologist visited USA in July 2012 to present his research finding about ancient iron smelter in Cambodia to Cambodian-American communities. One of his stop was Washington, DC Metro area. 


 

Voice of America Interviewed Ms Sophia Tep, CCD Vice-President

Click the picture to read and play the video.


Sam Relief Dec 2012 Newsletter

Sam Relief was very busy in early April of 2012 and has delivered another 10 tons of rice to Angkor Children Hospital at Siem Reap.


Women's Health Study: http://mapa.nur.utexas.edu


Replica of Angkor Wat

We have bought a replica of Angkor Wat (picture shown above). It is a sculpture made out from stone, by a sculptor in Pursat province, Cambodia. It is 1.3 meter long, 1.1 meter wide and .35 meter high. It took more than 2 months to complete the sculpture. Click the picture to enlarge.


Phare Ponleu Selpak

Phare Ponleu Selpak (website: www.phareps.org) is a Cambodian association providing artistic activities to children and adults around the Battambang vicinity. The artistic fields are: performing arts (circus, theater, dancing, music), visual arts (cartoon animation, painting contemporary, illustration and graphic design) and social actions (governmental school pre-school through high school, child care center, and transitional youth house). Learn more ...

Khmer Music Festival

Thank you for coming to our Khmer Music Festival on Saturday September 5th 2015

Click here to see photo gallery.

2015 Miss Cambodian American DC

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Talented Cambodians

Khmer Culture Related News

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Worldwide Perspectives

CCD Nurtures friendship building and community networking and unifies all people of all walks of life.