Cambodian Wedding - Part 3

If you are just now joining us, be sure to first either scroll down or click the following to check out the previous parts if you are interested in explanations of each part of the (Americanized) Cambodian/Khmer wedding ceremony and the significance behind it.

Part I | Part II

So, on to the third outfit change and Part III of the Ceremony. First, some details of the new attire:

Gaat Sah (Cleansing Ceremony)

Before marriage, the bride and groom must be properly prepared through an elaborate cleansing ceremony. The singers, representing visiting devada (deities who watch over the mortal realms), dance around the bride and groom. Their songs represent their enchantment with the beauty of the new couple, and they agree to personally cleanse and purify them to bring them good fortune, beauty, and grace for the rest of their lives.

The devada cuts the couple’s hair and shaves the groom, throwing away any misfortune. At the end of this ceremony, the visiting devada return to the realm of tansuor, the home of the gods and deceased ancestors.

Family and friends may take turns symbolically cutting the couple’s hair, representing a fresh start to their new relationship together as husband and wife.

\ Love. :)

Thanks again, Pure by Lindsey for these amazing images and for using your posts!