Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – The Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts recently announced that it has formally submitted an application to UNESCO to have the "Khmer Traditional Wedding" listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This move aims to protect and preserve this long-standing cultural treasure of the Khmer people and showcase Cambodia's unique cultural charm to the world.
According to Mr. Som Mann, Secretary of State and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, the Ministry submitted the application materials related to the Khmer wedding to the Secretariat of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee (ICH) as early as April 2, 2024. Currently, the Ministry's technical working group is working closely with the ICH Secretariat to advance the follow-up work. The application process has entered the stage of review and evaluation by an independent and highly professional expert body under the ICH.
Secretary of State Som Mann emphasized that the core purpose of Cambodia's application for the "Khmer Traditional Wedding" to be listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage is to protect and preserve the Khmer traditions and customs that have continued from ancient times to the present. He pointed out that the Khmer people still carefully preserve and properly practice this precious cultural heritage, especially continuing many traditional customs in wedding ceremonies. This aims not only to showcase the ancient and unique culture and civilization of the Khmer people to the world, but also to further enhance national identity and cultural confidence.
He stated that the proposal to inscribe the "Khmer Traditional Wedding" on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity received close cooperation and strong support from national institutions and the private sector. In particular, the "Bearers and Practitioners of the Tradition" community actively participated in the preparation of application materials and related documents, based on the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) guidelines in the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Promotion of International Trade.
Secretary of State Suk Mann specifically pointed out that this nomination covers many elements of the long-standing Khmer tradition, including traditional customs in wedding preparation, wedding music and songs, wedding attire, makeup styles, and other cultural expressions related to the wedding. The Khmer people will continue to inherit, practice, and protect this tradition, regarding it as an indispensable and important ritual in Khmer married life.
It is understood that the on-site inspection process for the "Khmer Traditional Wedding" nomination is expected to begin at the end of 2026. The Cambodian government and society are full of confidence in this application for World Heritage status and look forward to successfully gaining recognition from UNESCO, so that its unique charm can be promoted and carried forward around the world.
