Culture Ministry urges respect for communities in traditional wedding performances

The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts appealed on February 23 for wedding performances to retain their traditional substance and avoid language, gestures or costumes that could offend communities, ethnic groups or religious beliefs. The appeal followed discussion of bok leak performances, some of which were considered inappropriate in relation to Muslim customs and potentially harmful to mutual respect and social harmony. The ministry described related rituals known as thvoe thmenh, thvoe thmenh bampenh leak and bok leak, with regional names including thvoe thmenh lenh leak and kaos thmenh. They symbolise the sweet, bitter, sour, astringent, spicy and salty experiences of married life through the mixing of ceremonial materials, rather than actual dental treatment. Relatives and people of different faiths can participate. Some places extend the ritual into a dramatic search for lac and medicinal ingredients, crossing water, forests and mountains, facing animal obstacles and encountering Chinese, Cham and indigenous people. The ministry acknowledged variations reflecting local traditions and available resources, while calling for respect for the ritual's original meaning and for the beliefs of all communities and ethnic groups. By Lay Kol.