Khmer New Year is almost here, with the traditional celebration taking place on April 14, 15 and 16. Each year, young people buy gifts and do good deeds for their parents to show their love and respect.

“I always buy clothes for daddy and give money to my mother,” said Lim Vicheka, 23.

In addition to giving presents to his parents, Vicheka also takes part in the Srong Preah ceremony, which takes place on the third day of New Year. On T’ngai Leang Saka Day, young people use perfumed water to wash Buddha statues and their elders in order to bring them longevity, good luck, happiness and prosperity. In turn, the parents and grandparents give the youth best wishes and advice for the future.

“The other youth and I in my village always do the Srong Preah ceremony for our parents,” said Vicheka. “I always show my gratitude to them, not just at these ceremonies. When seeing my parents happy, I am also happy.”

The elders are also happy to receive blessings from the youth. Sim Socheat, 42, who is a housewife, said that it pleases her to see the youth performing the deeds for the parents.

“I see that youth nowadays know a lot about the deeds of parents,” said Socheat, who added that she hopes that all the young be good children to their parents during New Year.

Good deeds for parents, for which every child should be grateful, is very important for the youth. While young people’s trends has changed very quickly, they should remain grateful to their parents while giving gifts and performing good deeds.