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Celebrating Khmer New Year (Choul Chnam Thmey) with a FREE Coloring Sheet!
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Time to read 6 min
As the vibrant colors of spring begin to blossom, cultures across Southeast Asia prepare to welcome the Khmer New Year (Choul Chnam Thmey) with exuberant festivities known as Songkran. Originating in Thailand but celebrated across neighboring countries like Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar, Khmer New Year holds profound cultural significance, rooted in traditions that symbolize renewal, purification, and community bonding. Join us on a journey to explore the richness of Khmer New Year (Choul Chnam Thmey) traditions and discover how we can embrace this joyful celebration in North America, while also indulging in a FREE Khmer-themed coloring sheet!
The Significance of Khmer New Year (Choul Chnam Thmey)
The Khmer people have a rich history and culture deeply intertwined with their religious beliefs. Khmer New Year is known as Choul Chnam Thmey in Cambodia, Songkran in Thailand and Pi Mai Lao in Laos. It holds great importance as it aligns with the Buddhist calendar, signifying a time for renewal and purification. Traditionally, Choul Chnam Thmey marks the culmination of the harvest season and the commencement of a new year. During this period, individuals pay homage to their ancestors, visit temples, engage in religious rites, and perform acts of kindness. Festivities also include water-related activities such as spirited water fights and the symbolic act of pouring scented water over Buddha statues and the hands of elders to signify cleansing and bestow good fortune
Traditions Across Cultures
The celebration of Khmer New Year involves an array of traditional games, adding to the joyous atmosphere. Games like Klah Klok, Sey Game, Sdech Jang, Chol Chhoung, and Bos Angkunh are enthusiastically played, along with other favorites like Teagn Prot (tug-of-war), Leak Kanseng (hide the towel), and Breaking clay pots. The festival pulsates with excitement and camaraderie.
Over time, Choul Chnam Thmey traditions have transcended borders, with Thai adaptations contributing to its vibrant character. In Thailand, the festival is renowned for its exuberant water battles on the streets, where people douse each other with buckets, water guns, and hoses, symbolizing purification and the advent of the new year.
The term "Songkran" is derived from ancient Sanskrit, denoting a transition symbolizing the passage from one astrological sphere to another. Its origins lie in a Hindu spring festival marking the onset of the new harvest season in ancient India. Despite regional variations, the core essence of Choul Chnam Thmey remains steadfast. It encapsulates the spirit of renewal and purification, symbolizing the transition into a new year filled with hope and positivity.
Celebrating Khmer New Year (Choul Chnam Thmey) in North America
While Khmer New Year (Choul Chnam Thmey) is deeply rooted in Southeast Asian culture, its message of renewal and unity resonates with people of all backgrounds. In North America, we have the opportunity to embrace the spirit of Khmer New Year (Choul Chnam Thmey) by incorporating elements of its traditions into our own celebrations.
Organizing water-themed parties or participating in community events can capture the essence of Khmer New Year's (Choul Chnam Thmey) joyous water fights. Additionally, exploring Khmer cuisine or attending cultural festivals allows us to experience the flavors and traditions of the region firsthand.
Joeydolls Celebrates Khmer New Year
At Joeydolls, we’re all about celebrating culture with joy, pride, and play! As we welcome Khmer New Year (Choul Chnam Thmey) , we’re so excited to share how your family can join in the fun—wherever you are in the world! 🌸🎉
Here’s what we’ve got in store:
🎨 Download your FREE Khmer New Year Coloring Sheet featuring Soriya, our Cambodian doll! It’s a playful way for little ones to explore the meaning behind this vibrant holiday. (Scroll to the very bottom!)
Meet our Cambodian Apsara doll, inspired by the elegance of traditional Khmer dancers and the deep cultural roots of Cambodia.
✨ Join our VIP list to be the first to see sneak peeks, get updates, and help shape new releases. We can’t wait to grow our diverse doll family with you.
This season, let’s celebrate new beginnings, cultural pride, and joyful traditions—together. Whether you're in Cambodia or Canada, Khmer New Year is a beautiful reminder that representation matters and community connects us all.
🌺 Happy Choul Chnam Thmey from the Joeydolls family! 💖
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes Joeydolls different from other dolls?
Joeydolls are designed with love to celebrate Asian cultures and promote inclusivity through play. Each doll is thoughtfully created to reflect real traditions, clothing, and identities—helping kids feel seen and connected to their heritage or learn about others.
What is Joeydolls’ mission?
At Joeydolls, we’re on a mission to bring cultural pride, representation, and joy to every child. We believe all children deserve to see themselves—and others—reflected in the toys they play with.
Are your dolls inspired by real cultures?
Yes! Our dolls are rooted in authentic cultural representation. Each character highlights traditional dress, names, and stories from their heritage—developed with care and cultural respect.
Who are the dolls for?
Our dolls are made for everyone. Whether you're celebrating your own roots or teaching your little ones about the world, Joeydolls are a beautiful way to inspire connection and understanding across cultures.
What sizes are your dolls?
We offer two sizes:
Signature Dolls (18–21”): Our original, premium-sized dolls perfect for cuddling and storytelling.
Lil Joeydolls (9”): Smaller and travel-friendly, ideal for little hands, school bags, or on-the-go play.
Can I preorder new dolls or upcoming releases?
Yes! We regularly launch new characters and collections. Visit our Preorder Collection to reserve yours before they sell out.
Do you offer dolls for boys?
Yes—our boy dolls are currently in development! We're excited to expand representation even further. Be sure to join our VIP List to vote on new designs and be the first to know when they launch.
Where are Joeydolls made?
Joeydolls are designed in Canada and responsibly manufactured in Asia. We work closely with our partners to ensure safe, high-quality, and ethical production.
What ages are Joeydolls suitable for?
Our plush dolls are soft, cuddly, and made for all ages, though they are best for ages 3 and up. They’re perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and even older kids who love to collect and learn. Our mini dolls (9") is more suited for younger children.
How can I support Joeydolls' mission?
You can support us by sharing our story, gifting Joeydolls, or joining our VIP list to help shape new dolls. Every order helps us continue our mission of cultural joy and representation.
Quick Summary
Choul Chnam Thmey (Khmer New Year) is a joyful Southeast Asian celebration rooted in Buddhist and Hindu traditions. It marks the end of the harvest and symbolizes renewal, purification, and fresh beginnings—with water blessings, temple visits, and games like tug-of-war and clay pot breaking.
While traditionally celebrated in Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar , the spirit of Choul Chnam Thmey—joy, unity, and cultural pride—can be embraced anywhere. In North America, families can honor the holiday through food, water-themed fun, and community events.
Joeydolls is celebrating with a FREE Khmer New Year coloring sheet featuring Soriya, our Cambodian doll, and previewing our upcoming Cambodian Apsara doll—designed to uplift and represent Cambodian heritage with pride.
Download Your Free Coloring Sheet!
About The Author
Samantha Ong
Samantha Ong is the founder of Joeydolls, a Canadian-based toy brand on a mission to celebrate Asian cultures through joyful, inclusive play. Inspired by her own experiences growing up without cultural representation, Samantha designs dolls that help children feel proud of who they are while sparking curiosity and empathy in others. Since launching in 2023, Joeydolls has empowered thousands of families to bring culture, identity, and love into their everyday lives—one cuddle at a time.
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