Blessing

Cambodian New Year began on Palm Sunday and even though it was technically over before Easter, virtually every Cambodian takes the entire week off to celebrate. A great deal of the Cambodian New Year is about showing respect, asking forgiveness and seeking blessing. In that sense it has a lot in common with the Christian faith. I am always amazed at how some legalistic Christians feel they have to oppose anything in Bhuddist culture. I remember greeting some friends with the traditional "Sampeah" (the slight bow with you hands together) and being called out for participating in a 'non-Christian' practice. It would be like coming the USA and refuse to shake hands. For me when culture and Christianity overlap I adapt as I find a lot more 'mileage' in finding areas of agreement than in argument. The technical name for it is syncretism. Like the very term Easter, hardliners will scold you for worshiping the goddess Eostre (a pre Christian goddess in England worshiped at the beginning of Spring). To me it means the celebration of the resurrection of Christ. Obviously, someone somewhere realized that both had to do with new life and thus, the blend. It does not bother me in the least. So we "Syncretized" Cambodian New Year with Palm Sunday and ended the service with offering forgiveness, being blessed and giving blessings. If that bothers you, go get your rocks and stand in line. The line is pretty long.

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