According
to the legend of Preah Tong and Neang Neak, they married without the naga
king's knowledge. Neang Neak prayed to the devada to witness her hair
being cut, after which they then carried locks of hair to her father. When
he received her locks, he rejoiced in the knowledge that his daughter was being
married.
Bang
Chhat Madaiy - Honoring of the Parents
"Rumleuk
kun madaiy oeupuk."
"Remember
your obligations to your parents."
"Honor
your parents as you do the gods." This common Khmer sentiment is rooted in
a Buddhist parable about not forgetting "kun" - a kind act or
deed for which one owes repayment (a debt of gratitude). A monk explains to a temple visitor that
without parents, one cannot be brought into the world to honor the gods in the
first place.
The
traditional song that is performed is a reminder to the bride of the hardships
of raising a child. It is a song of parental duty and fulfillment, which the bride
and groom will one day experience for themselves. During this ceremony, the
bride holds an umbrella over her mother, a gesture that symbolizes the reversal
of the protective role of her parents.
