Kreung Ethnicity - United Nations in Cambodia

young man to ensure that he truly wants to marry their daughter. The Kanong,
after getting a positive answer from the young man, must meet with his
parents to discuss organisation of the wedding or sacrificing ceremonies. When
an agreement is made with a Kanong representing the young woman’s family,
the young man’s parents must find another Kanong for their family to negotiate
with the young woman’s family regarding the date of the wedding.
After both families reach an agreement, they organise a ceremony at nightfall
for a spiritual sacrifice recognising the engaged couple and establishing specific
conditions should the engagement be broken. During this engagement, the
Kanong of both families, the Krak Shrok, the Teungkang Krak, relatives, friends
and villagers gather to celebrate. Traditionally they kill a pig or other animals
according to their resources and contribute chickens and wine to sacrifice
as well. After this sacrificing ceremony, the young couple can live together and
have children. In general, they stay in the young woman’s family house.
A young man’s hut in the village centre.
(Photo: UNDP/Yin Sopheap)
A young woman’s hut close to the family House.
(Photo: UNDP/Yin Sopheap)
The wedding
One day prior to the wedding, the Kanong of both families call the Krak Shrok,
friends, relatives and other villagers to gather to help organise the celebration.
During the night, the Krak Shrok gives the bride and groom advice on
customary rules related to being a spouse, including taboos and tatch if
taboos are braken. The next morning, they start the celebration by eating and
Kreung Ethnicity: Documentation of Customary Rules
35