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K
hmer pagodas are scattered
throughout the Mekong Delta,
in Vinh Long, Tra Vinh, Soc
Trang, Kien Giang and An Gi-
ang provinces. These southwestern
provinces have large communities of
ethnic Khmer people. In some villages,
especially in provinces bordering Cam-
bodia like An Giang and Kien Giang, the
Khmer account for 70 per cent of the
local population. Khmer people, who
have lived in the Mekong Delta since
before the 17th century, predominant-
ly practice Theravada Buddhism which
plays a very important role in daily life.
The region has roughly 500 Khmer
pagodas which reflect the aesthetic char-
acteristics of the Khmer community, as
well as their culture in southern Vietnam.
The Khmer view the pagodas as
responsible for moral education and the
preservation of traditional arts and cul-
ture. For them, pagodas are considered
a special cultural and spiritual space im-
bued with strong religious faith. Khmer
pagodas are cultural centres where big
festivals can be organised and peo-
ple can study Buddhism and learn the
Khmer language. They are also a place
for cultural, artistic and entertainment
activities to be performed by monks
and followers of Buddhism.
MULTIPLE ROLES
“Thanks to my time studying at the
pagoda, I know everything related to
the traditions and culture of the Khmer
community, and I am respected,” said
Thach Quang, a border policeman in
Kien Giang province.
For Quang’s work in the border
area with Cambodia where there are
many Khmer people, his knowledge
about Khmer culture and lifestyle helps
immesaurably and he is often asked to
interpret in dealings with Cambodian
partners. “For young Khmer men, pa-
godas are like a second home,” he said.
This is the reason why many of the
locals write and speak Khmer at least as
well as Vietnamese.
Traditionally, young Khmer men
from 12 years upwards must study to
become monks. The Khmer consider
Deep in Vietnam’s south the Khmer culture is thriving thanks to a large and
growing number of traditional pagodas. On a recent visit,
Duc Nguyen
discovered these temples are much more than religious centres, playing a
central role in all aspects of Khmer society.
Khmer life in the Delta