King’s Mother’s Birthday
King Mother’s Birthday is a holiday observed in Cambodia every year on the 18th of June. It commemorates the day when Queen Mother Norodom Monineath was born. In this country, this day is a public holiday observed with several official and non-official events across the country.
Cambodia (Observance)Although the Queen Mother does not have any official political power, she has duties that she must perform for the country. This typically involves receiving foreign dignitaries and participating in several charitable activities. She has also raised funds for two hospitals to be built in Phnom Penh.
The History of King Mother’s Birthday in Cambodia
On June 18, 1936, Norodom Monineath was born in Saigon — located in French Indochina. Her father was a banker who was killed during WWII, and her mother was from Phnom Penh.
After being awarded first prize in a beauty contest by Norodom Sihanouk, she ended up marrying him in 1952. From 1952 to 1955, she served as queen consort during her husband’s first reign as King of Cambodia, and then again from 1993 to 2004 during his second reign.
When King Sihanouk abdicated in 2004, her son became his successor, and she became the country’s Queen Mother.
Interesting and Amazing Facts About Cambodia
We’ve included some amazing and interesting facts about Cambodia below that we feel everyone will find educational. Let’s examine them more closely before we move on to how King Mother’s Birthday is celebrated.
- Cambodia’s flag features the temple complex Angkor Wat in its design.
- Speaking of Angkor Wat, it is the largest religious complex in the world and extends over an area of 500 acres.
- During the Khmer Rouge’s rule, approximately 2 million people in Cambodia were killed.
- The largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia is the Tonle Sap, and it provides water to half of Cambodia’s crops.
- Cambodia has an estimated population of 16.2 million people.
Observing King Mother’s Birthday in Cambodia
Since this is a public holiday in Cambodia, many government offices, schools, and businesses are closed. It’s also a day off for the general public, which allows them to attend special Queen Mother birthday events across Cambodia.
It also allows them to enjoy fine Cambodian foods such as Samlor Korkor, Bai Sach Chrouk, and Bok Trop Pgnon. This is also a day when there are official celebrations in Phnom Penh. All officials are also expected to display the Queen Mother’s portraits or Cambodian flags and banners during this day.
Cambodia (Observance)
