Culture of Engagement in Cambodia

Culture of engagement in Cambodia has been practiced by Cambodian people for a long time, and this culture has still been done by them presently. Before the wedding has been arranged, it is required for man to ask for engagement from the girl’s parents, and the process of engagement is included:

(1) The first step of culture of engagement in Cambodia is searching for information. This is the first point that the man’ parents have to do before getting into the girl house. Man or man’s parents have to search for the information whether that girl is single or to have already been asked to get engaged. This information can be found from the relative or people around the girl’s house. If it has been known that the girl has no partner, or she is free, the second step will be conducted. In contrast, if the result is positive, it is impossible to get engaged.

(2) The second step of culture of engagement in Cambodia is getting into the girl’s house. This time is really necessary. The man and man’s parents are required to go to the girl’s house by bringing along some fruits or cake, and then discuss this with the girl’s parents. The discussion is mainly dealt with whether the girl is free or not, if the she is asked to get engaged, it is possible or not, and some others. If everything reaches the solution, the third step will be taken place.

(3) The third step of culture of engagement in Cambodia is engagement party. This is the last step for culture of engagement in Cambodia. At this time, the man and man’s parents have to invite some of their relatives and clergy man (vicar) as well as bring along some fruit and cake especially rice cake, Num Ansorm and pyramid cake, Num Korm because they belive that these types of cake will them happiness and prosperity. The engagement party has been arranged, and some discussions have also been done such as how much money will be paid by the man for wedding day, who will be paid for traditional wedding music, orchestra, wedding gown, wedding food, and others. These are always paid by the man’s party. More important than this is that the man has to give a wedding souvenir such as gold or diamond ring or neck lace to the girl, and the girl does the same. If these have been agreed by the girl’s party, then it will only wait for the wedding day.