Wat Phnom in Phnom Penh
Today is Cambodia\s independence day. This country became
independent from France in 1953. French influence still can be seen downtown
along the Russian boulevard, where nice trees and grass are planted in between
the two lanes. Also in some parts of Phnom Penh, the streets follow the similar
pattern in a manner they are laid out as in Paris.
For the ordinary citizen, the independence day means an
extra holiday (and Cambodians have almost monthly few holdays) and day off from
school and work. Some schools are closed also tomorrow. There are flags at the
streets, and a big parade near the Independence monument, but no other
traditions.
I went to Wat Phnom, a temple on the hill. This word is
also in the the name of Phnom Penh, which means hill lady. Wat Phnom and
Shedagon in Yangon have been opened around the same time, 1370s. To my
surprise, I did not see a single monk in the temple. I saw ordinary people
lighting their incents or candles, or bringing food and lotus flowers to the
gods, or putting money into the glass boxes. The most unique things were some
people burming money in the small owens, or letting the swallows free. The
swallows were in a cage, you pay to the lady, and you get one or two swallos
into your hands, pray and let them go. This is supposed to bring you good life.
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