Chol Chhoung
| Chol Chhoung | |
|---|---|
| Khmer name | ចោលឈូង |
| Also known as | Chhoung Game; Chhoung; Khmer throwing game; Choal Chhoung; ល្បែងចោលឈូង |
| Practice type | Game |
| Usual occasion | Khmer New Year |
| Subjects | Celebrations & Life Passages |
Chol Chhoung is a traditional game practised in Cambodia and Khmer communities. (Wikipedia)
Practice
Chol Chhoung is a throwing game played by two opposing groups, commonly boys and girls, with about 10 to 20 people in each group. Players throw a chhoung, made from a rolled, knotted krama or scarf, in a high arc to the other group, which catches and throws it back while trying to hit a player. When someone is hit, that person's group may have to sing and dance while returning the chhoung; some versions also include teasing, flirtatious lyrics, or attempts to free captured teammates. (Wikipedia; IntoCambodia)
History
The supplied accounts describe Chol Chhoung as one of the best-known Khmer folk games played during Khmer New Year, a holiday associated with the end of the harvest season. One account says that recognition of Khmer folk games such as Chhoung may be declining compared with modern dance concerts and calls for their preservation. (Wikipedia; IntoCambodia)
Variations
The sing-and-dance version uses traditional or improvised lyrics, while another version allows the opposing team to seize a player who has been hit. The wording of the Chhoung song varies according to local singers who compose or adapt it. (Wikipedia; IntoCambodia)
Communities and practitioners
The game is played by Khmer people, especially teenagers and young adults, although the supplied descriptions say people of all ages can enjoy Khmer folk games. (Wikipedia; IntoCambodia)