BANH PHCHUMBÂN, SEN ĐÔNTA FESTIVAL OF VIETNAM SOUTHERN KHMER: TRADITIONS AND MODERN CHANGES

Abstract

Banh Phchum Ban, Sen Đôn Ta (Ancestors’ Day) has been a symbol of culture, belief, and spirituality, and is the
point of convergence of Khmer culture. The holiday has gone deeply into the consciousness of the community, with an important role and significance that contributes to educating people in moral standards, such as being environmentally aware, ancestor worship and respecting those who have contributed to the Phum Sroc, to the nation and particularly expressing gratitude to the monks who act as the bridge between religion and state. This article applies perspectives, in accordance to the theory of functions (Functionalism) of the Malnowski, and studies the festival, which is in the process of modernization, with theories built on Ronald Inghart and Waye E. Baker’s methodologies. This research was conducted through fieldwork activities, observations, direct participation in some localities, and collecting and synthesizing literature about the festival made by cultural, philosophical and religious writers. A comparison and analysis assessment on holiday traditions and the
modern world has recorded these changes to the festival in present-day life.