LONG BEACH, CA- In Cambodia, the harvest season brings joyous celebration of “Pchum Ben,” a deeply spiritual festival that serves as a form of Khmer Thanksgiving. While not an exact copy of the American holiday, Pchum Ben holds similar themes of gratitude, family, and honoring the past.

The festival observed for 15 days in September or October is dedicated to paying respect to deceased ancestors. Families gather at pagodas (Buddhist/Hindu temple), offering food, incense, and prayers to guide the spirits of their loved ones through the cycle of reincarnation. The offerings often include rice, sweet cakes, fruits, and even the traditional “sangkran,” a dish made from sticky rice and roasted meats. Sophomore Asia Welch at Wilson High school stated, “Some traditional Thanksgiving foods we eat on Thanksgiving are samlor manchu (sour beef soup) and cha krueng satch moan (lemongrass stir fried chicken). The act of giving these gifts is believed to bring good fortune and peace to both the living and the deceased.

In the days leading up to Pchum Ben, Cambodian families will visit the graves of their ancestors, cleaning the tombstones and offering food. This act is a physical manifestation of their gratitude, acknowledging the sacrifices made by those who came before them. The Khmer believe that if they honor their ancestors properly, they will receive blessings for the year ahead.

As the days progress, communities come together in vibrant celebrations, with traditional music, dance, and feasts. The mood is one of reverence but also of joy, as people reconnect with family and friends. Children, often in traditional dress, enjoy the festivities and learn the cultural importance of giving thanks.

Though Pchum Ben is rooted in Buddhist beliefs, its themes of thankfulness and honoring those who’ve shaped our lives resonate universally, reminding the Khmer people of their deep connection to both the past and the future.