Recognizing the Celebration of the Cambodian New Year and the "Year of the Horse" on April 13-15, 2026

WHEREAS, One of the most important and popular of Cambodian holidays, ushering in the New Year, is Choul Chnam Thmey, which literally means "Enter the New Year." It occurs from April th through the th and marks the end of the harvesting season; and

WHEREAS, Each Cambodian year is popularly known by one of the 12 animals of the Zodiac. These names provide a ready reference because each is used only once in 12 years. This year, 2026, will be celebrated as the "Year of the Horse"; and

WHEREAS, The holiday celebration is a three-day event that begins on New Year’s Day. Moha Sangkran is the first day of the event and symbolizes the ending of one year and beginning anew. Cambodians traditionally clean and decorate their homes and prepare food for the New Year inauguration and to welcome the "New Angels at every single home"; and

WHEREAS, Day two of the Cambodian New Year's celebration is Wanabot. It is a time to offer gifts to one's parents, grandparents, and elders, and to contribute to charity and help those less fortunate; and

WHEREAS, The third day of the New Year's celebration is called Thhnay Leung Sakk, which means the year "starts to be counted from this day." People generally go to temple in the morning and end the day with the "Pithi Srang Preah" where they cleanse the Buddha statues and their monks, elders, parents, and grandparents as an act of contrition to apologize for any transgressions done to them; and

WHEREAS, The Cambodian New Year's holiday is rich with tradition and a perfectly wonderful time for men and women, both young and old, to come together and celebrate; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby recognizes the celebration of the Cambodian New Year and the "Year of the Horse" on April 13- 15, 2026; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this House hereby wishes to extend its deepest respect and appreciation to the Rhode Island Cambodian community for all that it has contributed to the rich diversity of Rhode Island culture; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Suonriaksmay Keo, President of the Cambodian Society of Rhode Island, Inc.