The entire Khmer wedding symbolizes the beautiful legend of the origins of Cambodia and parallels the marriage of the first Khmer prince, Preah Thong, to the naga princess, Neang Neak. The prince was exiled from his home, and during his travels, fell in love with a naga princess. As a marriage gift, the naga king swallowed a part of the ocean, and thus formed the land of Cambodia.

One of the most joyous occasions for a Khmer family, a traditional Khmer wedding typically lasts from three days to an entire week. family, friends, and other members of the community come together to share in the celebration which is traditionally held in the home of the bride's parents. The Khmer wedding is a grand affair, full of color nad festivity, as well as steeped in tradition. Musicians play throughout the day on traditional instruments, and the couple is dressed like royalty. In fact, the bride may change her outfit several times in one day, though if the wedding were weeklong affair, she could declare the color of her dress each day and the guests would dress only in that color. Unlike most Western weddings, guests are usually highly animated during the ceremonies, with elders typically explaining the significance of the various customs to the younger generation and vice versa.

Please feel free to turn to a neighbor if you should have questions or comments about what is occurring. You may also stand up and leave the room if you need to stretch your legs. Guests freely move in and out during ceremonies, which is not considered rude.