History of Animal Spirit, Chi Phat Eco Tourism site, Tmar Bang district, Koh Kong province

(Written by Ty Theavy)

During this ritual feast the animal spirits, such as monkeys, buffaloes, and elephants, are invited to possess the soul of the traditional doctor. This ceremony is celebrated once every 3 years except for when there is a special occasion. It lasts a full night starting from the early evening until the dawn. All the relatives of the doctor have to join in the party, and the spirit can possess the soul of them too. In the ceremony there are 3 drum players and a flutist and the other participants can clap along bamboo sticks or sing along with the singers.

When the music starts, the singers chant in the old Khmer language called Khmer Khor and in the modern Cambodian language to invite the soul to appear. In the gap between the songs the local wine will be poured and handed out to all of the participants to drink by a feast leader called the “ghost buster” (Kru Chab Khmaoch). If the music is not played well the spirit could not come, but if the monkey spirit appears you can see a possessed soul climb up the tree seem the real monkey. This usually it happens around 7 in the next morning.

This party related to Chip Phat Commune area, because this area there lived a former Khmer Khor. As of 2003 the villagers here still followed up their traditional habit. For instance, in their wedding days, the bride groom’s dowry march was paraded at night. But presently is changed depending on it is a modernization and globalization era.