Monday, February 22, 2010

Cambodia’s Matriarchal Society

Neang Kong-hing and the crocodile were worship symbols by Cambodians after the concept of "Mé" and "Ba (Photo: RFI)

21 Feb 2010
By Chheang Bopha
Radio France Internationale
Translated from Khmer by Socheata



Mé Toap (army chief), Mé Srok (district governor), Mé Khleang (warehouse chief) … the word “Mé” used in the context of the previous words designate the chief, the leader or the person who is in charge. Aren’t you puzzled as to why the word “Mé” is used in these words? What is its origin?

Mr. Thach Tuan, a retired Cambodian doctor who is puzzled about this word, did his research to find out the root of this word. His research revealed that the word “Mé” designates “Mè”, the universal Mother. His research also showed that the Cambodian society prior to the arrival of the Indians, used to be a matriarchal society. Please listen to Chheang Bopha’s report on the meaning of the Cambodian matriarchal society.

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