Why Do Cambodians Celebrate Pchum Ben?
Pchum Ben, one of Cambodia’s most significant holidays, is deeply rooted in its people's culture, traditions, and beliefs. As a family of three serving in this beautiful country, it's always a blessing to be allowed to witness how Cambodians honor this sacred time. My husband and I look forward to these kinds of holidays, not only to visit our families but also to use this time to reflect on how the love of Christ shines on them as well. Allow me to share and introduce to you the meaning of Pchum Ben, a celebration that invites not only reflection on family and ancestors but can also be an opportunity for us, as believers, to think about the eternal hope found in Jesus Christ.
What Is Pchum Ben?
Pchum Ben, known as the "Festival of the Dead," is a 15-day
observance where Cambodians honor their ancestors. It's a time of respect,
remembrance, and offerings to those who have passed away, especially those
souls believed to be suffering in the afterlife. The holiday’s climax falls on
the 15th day, called "Ben Thom," when families gather at pagodas to
offer food and alms to monks and deceased relatives.
This holiday holds tremendous cultural significance for Cambodians, but
it also reveals a deep yearning for connection with those who have gone before
us, a concept we Christians can deeply understand in light of eternity.
Why Do Cambodians Celebrate Pchum Ben?
The belief behind Pchum Ben is that during these 15 days, the souls of ancestors are released from the afterlife and roam the earth, seeking offerings from their living relatives. Cambodians believe that these offerings will help alleviate the suffering of their deceased loved ones. This festival is rooted in Buddhist and animist beliefs, where acts of kindness and merit-making can provide relief to wandering spirits. Similar blog shared here 👉 Pchem Benh Celebration in Cambodia
While Christians don’t hold the same belief in merit-making for the dead,
we can appreciate the sense of family responsibility and care that this holiday
reflects. Pchum Ben is about loving and remembering those who came before us,
which mirrors our understanding of honoring family in a biblical sense
(Ephesians 6:2). However, we find our ultimate hope in Christ, who through His
sacrifice has paid the price for sin and offered us eternal life, removing the
fear of an uncertain afterlife (John 5:24).
How Do Cambodians Celebrate Pchum Ben?
Cambodians celebrate Pchum Ben through various rituals and activities:
a. Pagoda Visits: Families visit temples (pagodas) to make offerings of food, usually rice, cakes, and fruits. This is believed to sustain the spirits of the deceased.
b. Almsgiving: Food is given to Buddhist monks as an act of merit-making. It’s believed that monks can transfer this merit to those in the afterlife.
c. Family Gatherings: Pchum Ben is a time when families reunite, sharing meals and memories of their ancestors. It's also a chance to pay respect to the elderly and seek blessings from them.
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| my-inlaws would make traditional rolled sticky rice cake called "Num Ansorm" * made of glutinous rice with pork, mung beans, or bananas wrapped in banana leaves |
For us as Christians, these family gatherings are familiar. Family is central to both Cambodian culture and our faith. It’s a reminder of how important it is to cherish our loved ones while they are here with us. And in the context of Christian faith, these moments can also be opportunities to share the hope we have in Christ with those who may not know Him.
Ten Trivia about Pchum Ben
- Ancient Roots: The origins of
Pchum Ben can be traced back over 1,000 years, deeply intertwined with
ancient animist and Hindu traditions before Cambodia became predominantly
Buddhist.
- 15-Day Ritual: Pchum Ben
spans 15 days, with the first 14 days called "Kan Ben," during
which Cambodians make daily offerings to monks.
- Kralan: One of the
special foods prepared during Pchum Ben is "Kralan," a rice cake
made of sticky rice, beans, and coconut milk cooked inside bamboo stalks.
- Moon Calendar: The dates of
Pchum Ben vary each year according to the Khmer lunar calendar, typically
falling in September or October.
- Buddhist
Influence: While Pchum Ben is rooted in Khmer culture, it is heavily
influenced by Buddhist teachings of karma, merit-making, and
reincarnation.
- Midnight
Offerings: Some Cambodians make offerings at the pagoda as early as 4 a.m. to
ensure the wandering spirits receive them.
- Phnom Penh
Empty: The capital city of Phnom Penh often becomes quiet during Pchum Ben
as people return to their home provinces to celebrate with their families.
- Ghost Beliefs: According to
tradition, the spirits of those who died violently or without proper
burial are the most restless during Pchum Ben, which is why offerings are
so important.
- Visiting Seven
Pagodas: Many Cambodians make it a point to visit seven different pagodas
during the holiday to ensure their offerings reach as many ancestors as
possible.
- Respect for
Ancestors: Even Cambodians who have moved away from religious practices often
return home during Pchum Ben, demonstrating the powerful cultural
connection to family and ancestors.
The Christian Reflection
As followers of Christ, how do we navigate a holiday so entrenched in
Buddhist and animist traditions? I believe Pchum Ben offers a beautiful
opportunity for reflection on the Christian gospel.
Cambodians believe that their offerings help free the souls of their
ancestors from suffering. But as Christians, we know that Christ has already
offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. His death and
resurrection guarantee eternal life for all who believe in Him (Romans 6:23).
There is no need for us to make offerings to ensure the well-being of our loved
ones in the afterlife because Jesus has already paid that price. Instead, we
are invited to trust in His grace and share that gift with others.
As I reflect on Pchum Ben, my heart goes out to the many people who carry
the heavy burden of working to earn their way to peace for themselves and their
families. I pray that in the same way they faithfully bring their offerings to
the pagoda, they will one day bring their hearts to Jesus, who offers the
ultimate rest (Matthew 11:28).
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A Gospel Opportunity
Pchum Ben reminds us that people everywhere are searching for peace,
hope, and connection to something greater than themselves. In Cambodia, this
search manifests in rituals and offerings. In Christ, we find the true answer
to that search. He is the one who reconciles us to God, not through rituals but
through a relationship based on His love and grace.
Family, Food, and Fellowship
Just as Cambodians gather with family over shared meals during Pchum Ben,
we can use this time to reflect on the importance of fellowship and community
in our Christian walk. Meals shared together have a special significance
throughout the Bible, reminding us of the Last Supper and our communion with
Christ. As we share our tables with others, let’s also share the love of
Christ, not only through words but through our actions.
"For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the
Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's"
(Romans 14:8).
This verse reminds us that in life or death, we belong to God. Our hope does not rest in rituals but in the assurance that Jesus has already prepared a place for us with Him in eternity (John 14:2). Let this truth fill our hearts with peace and inspire us to share that peace with others during this reflective season.
To wrap up, Pchum Ben offers a window into the heart of Cambodian culture, a culture
that values family, remembrance, and respect. As Christians, we honor those
values while also pointing to the hope we have in Christ—the One who offers
eternal peace, not through our efforts but through His endless love.
Happy Holidays!
The Hourngs in Cambodia 😍😅💕👪
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