Chor trajeak
Chor trajeak (ជរត្រចៀក) is a set of traditional Khmer ear cuffs worn mostly by women. Chor trajeak was frequently seen adorned on the ears of both male and female figures on Angkorian temples. These ear ornaments are more commonly associated with the Buddhist tradition of Cambodia. Nowadays, chor trajeak is usually worn by dancers of the Royal Ballet of Cambodia and the groom in their traditional wedding costumes.
Etymology[edit]
Chor trajeak comes from two separate Khmer words; chor (ជរ) and trajeak (ត្រចៀក). Chor refers to the ornaments decorated at the edge of something while trajeak means ear. Together chor trojeak means “the ears ornaments,” or ear cuffs traditionally used throughout Cambodian history.
History[edit]
Chor trajeak has a long history in Cambodia. It's known to have existed since the Angkorian period (9th-15th century) as it is frequently seen on the ears of Angkorian deities, demon, kings and queens as well as other female figures and statues. Variety styles of chor trojeak is depicted on many figures at the Bayon temple and other temples built by King Jayavarman VII.
During the reign of Jayavarman VII, Theravada Buddhism was flourishing and after the fall of Angkor, Khmer kingdoms and society were completely transformed into a Theravada Buddhist society.[1] In Post-Angkorian periods, chor trajeak was commonly seen adorned over the ears of the Buddha statues, carvings, and mural painting.
Chor trajeak is worn in various occasions. For instance, they are worn by the dancers of the Royal Ballet of Cambodia. In Cambodian wedding, Khmer grooms usually decorate their ears with chor trajeak. Chor trajeak is also found attached to Cambodian Royal Crown (Moha Mokot Reach), the royal regalia of the monarch of Cambodia.
Design[edit]
There are a variety of designs and patterns of chor trajeak. These traditional ear cuffs are carved with Khmer patterns (kbach), such as kbach Angkor, kbach kantuy hong, and kbach kanjang. Each design is unique, which can be used to distinguish and understand its context: Chor trojeak used in the Royal Ballet of Cambodia is different from the one that is worn by a Cambodian groom during the wedding ceremony.
Popularity[edit]
Chor trojeak is a symbol of beauty for Cambodian women. In a wedding ceremony, the grooms prefer wearing these ears cuffs as a symbol of beauty. In the Buddhist tradition of Cambodia, chor trajeak is considered a sacred ornament usually decorated on Buddha statues, devatas and other Buddhist deities or creatures such as kenorei, krud, etc.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ↑ Keyes, Charles F (1997). The golden peninsula: culture and adaptation in mainland Southeast Asia. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press. ISBN 978-0-8248-1696-4. OCLC 957326552. Search this book on
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