Chum Ngek

The song, “Sarikakeo” (Myna Bird), accompanies the Haircutting/Cleansing Ceremony (Pithi Kat Sawk)

(Myna Bird lyrics from “Ritual, Performativity and Music: Cambodian Wedding Music in Phnom Penh” p. 171)

Myna Bird, Oh restless Myna bird (2x)
I ask you to smile
Please smile and show me your beautiful teeth (2x)

(Name), you will have a new, short haircut
Which barber will cut your hair?

I see your hair
Combed in fine rows
I see your teeth
So straight, as if they had been trimmed

Darling, “Eim” the barber cuts the front
“Ok” the barber cuts the back
Which barber will cut?
You are so beautiful and attractive

I love your hair
Combed into fine rows

The song, “Baay Khon Jong Dai” (Tie the Wrists), accompanies the Knot Tying Ceremony (Pithi Jong Dai)

(Tie the Wrists lyrics from “Ritual, Performativity and Music: Cambodian Wedding Music in Phnom Penh” p. 198)

Tie the wrist, tie the wrists

With three cotton threads

Tie the wrists of our children