Bon Phchom Ben or Khmer Ancestor
Bon Phcom Ben is the autumn festival dedicated to the spirits of the dead. During a 15-day period leading up to Bon Phcom Ben, also known as Bonn Dak Ben, food and money are offered to monks.
On the 15th day of the festival the full moon appears. This day is Bonn Phcom Ben or the collection of the Bens or offerings. The ceremony ends with the full moon because its light deters ghosts (K’maoch) from venturing out at night.
If Cambodia families do not make an offering to the Buddha during Bonn Pchuom Benn, it is believed the souls of dead relatives will return to haunt their descendants. Respect for ancestors and fear of K’maoch are both strong elements in the Khmer belief system and are common themes in Cambodian films and TV dramas.
Filed under: Cambodia, Festivals, What To See and Do
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