THE BUILDING OF SAND MOUNTAIN CEREMONY: SYMBOL OF RELIGIOUS CULTURE AT THE KHMER NEW YEAR IN SOUTHERN VIETNAM

Abstract

 Cultural symbols are research objects that many scholars are interested in when studying cultures. The article is based on the
structural theory of symbolic anthropology (or interpretive anthropology) to study and decipher the meaning of sand mountains in Khmer culture. The building of sand mountains during ceremonies on New Year’s Day is an important cultural and spiritual activity that illustrates religious harmony with cultural life during traditional festivals. In the article, the symbolic meaning of the sand mountain is deciphered to explore  the cultural values and religious philosophies hidden in the heart of Khmer culture in Southern
Viet Nam.