Patchwork Designs >CAMBODIA PATCH PROGRAM

CAMBODIA PATCH PROGRAM
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1. Cambodia is a small country with an intense, but interesting background. Locate where Cambodia is, know the capital and what the flag looks like.

2. The most widely spoken language in Cambodia is Khmer, also known as Cambodian. Mon-Khmer is a linguistic group within Southeast-Asia; however, Khmer is the distinct national language in Cambodia. There are two styles of writing in the Khmer language, and is a very beautiful form of calligraphy. Learn some words or slang that is spoken in Cambodia OR look at pictures of Khmer calligraphy and try to write some yourself.

3. Festivals in Cambodia are generally religious or spiritually based. Some examples of festivals celebrated in Cambodia are: Chual Chhnam, a festival in the month of April, Visak Baukchea, a festival in honor of the Buddha, and the Water Festival, a festival celebrating the reversal of the flow in the Tonle Sap River. The Khmer Lunar Calendar determines the dates of most Cambodian festivals. Learn about festivals in Cambodia, go to a festival, participate in one, OR complete a craft that represents a festival.

4. Rice is the staple food in the diets of all Cambodians. Rice is basically served with anything. Seafood is also very popular, because of the many rivers flowing through the country. On holidays, meals are generally more special, and include things such as barbequed shrimp, duck eggs, and sliced banana wrapped in sticky rice. Try a recipe, food, or drink from Cambodia.

5. Dance in Cambodia is very historical. It goes back to 1000 years ago. Dances in Cambodia are very detailed, and precise. Each movement is heavily exaggerated and concentrated. It takes a very long time for dancers to learn the exact movements of their dance. Women typically preform the most in dance, and dances always tell a story. Music accompanies the dances, and is usually preformed in a royal court. Some instruments include the Cambodian guitar, other western styled instruments. Watch a dance OR listen to music OR sing a song OR learn more information about a dance from Cambodia and try your own moves.

6. Legends and stories of Cambodia reflect the many cultural backgrounds in Cambodia today. Folk Tales and nature poetry make up many of Cambodia's early literature, and are typically stories about culture, values, and animals. Read a story, legend, OR listen to a legend or play.

7. India, and the rest of Southeast-Asia were heavily influenced by trade routes early in their development. These trade routes carried most aspects of Cambodia's culture today, such as song, dance, religion, and art. Angkor Wat, is considered to be one of the worlds greatest architectural achievements. It was built as a temple and a shrine to one of the countries kings, who was thought to be divine. Look at a picture of Angkor Wat, and learn more about its history.

8. Agriculture is a central part of most land in Cambodia. Rice fields are the most heavily cultivated. Apart from this, evergreen forests- full of trees such as the teak tree and pine trees. Large wild animals inhabit some of the country, however they are becoming rare. Elephants, leopards, and wild oxen are examples of animals in Cambodia. An animal unique to the country is the kouprey, a wild forest ox. This animal is almost extinct. Choose [3] animals OR plants from Cambodia to learn more about.

9. Handicrafts in Cambodia have been passed down for thousands of years, and are very skillfully crafted and made. Religious carvings are very popular, because Buddhism is a central part to the culture of Cambodia. These carvings are very well made. Jewelry making and wood carving are other popular crafts in Cambodia. Create a craft or project using a traditional a skill OR jewelry OR observe someone creating a handicraft OR a traditional craft from Cambodia.

10. There are many styles of traditional clothing in Cambodia. The type of clothing is referred to as Sampot, however, it is varied by region and time and social class. In general, Sampot is a long rectangular cloth that is worn around the lower body. It can be worn in many ways. Dancers typically wear this style of dress, and it is very colorful and detailed. Also, apart from this style of dress, which is reserved for special occasions, Cambodians wear on a typical day, working clothes and what is called a conical hat. Most Cambodians work in agriculture, and lose clothes are useful for this. Draw a picture of the clothing, dress up in a Cambodian themed costume, create an accessory, complete our paper dolls OR view traditional clothing through books or the Internet or our country manual.

11. There are a variety of games played by children in Cambodia. Organized sports are rare for children in Cambodia, so they often find fun things to do with their time. What do you do in your free time? Learn a traditional game OR play a game that symbolizes Cambodia OR play a water game OR play a game in our manual.