In this article, we will thoroughly explore the topic of Nokor Reach, a topic that has captured the attention of people of all ages and walks of life. From its importance in history to its relevance today, Nokor Reach has been the subject of study and interest for researchers, academics and enthusiasts alike. Through a comprehensive analysis, we will examine the various aspects related to Nokor Reach, from its origins to its impact on modern society. With the intention of providing a complete and detailed overview of Nokor Reach, this article will delve into its many facets, offering a broad and enriching perspective to understand its true meaning and scope.
"Nokor Reach" originated from a folk poetry usually performed with chapei in ancient era for storytelling and to disclose any recent events.[2][3]
The music of "Nokor Reach" was composed between 1938 and 1939 by Prince Norodom Suramarit during the reign of King Sisowath Monivong with help of J. Jekyll and François Perruchot,[1][4] the Royal Palace's musical instructors. The lyrics were not finished until 20 July 1941 by Choun Nath, a few months after King Norodom Sihanouk's coronation. In the same year, it was adopted then reconfirmed in 1947 as a national anthem for the country.[5]
In 1970, the monarchy was abolished by the Khmer Republic, thereby replacing the state's national anthem as well. After the communists' victory in 1975, former royalist symbols, including "Nokor Reach", were reinstated for a short while. The Khmer Rouge then replaced it with "Dap Prampi Mesa Chokchey" ("Glorious Seventeenth of April") in January 1976.[6] After the royalist party FUNCINPEC defeated the former communists (Cambodian People's Party) in the 1993 elections, the royalist state anthem was restored.[2]
Lyrics
"Nokor Reach" is a poem consisting of three verses and each verse consists of five lines. The first verse is considered to be official and is usually performed at most official settings.
Krób vôtt aréam lœ tê so săpt thôrm
Sotr daôy âmnâr rumlœ̆k kŭn pŭtthôsasnéa
Chor yeung chéa ‘nôk chœăcheăk smaôhsmăkr tam bêb donta
Kóng tê tévta nœ̆ng chuŏy chroŭmchrêng phkótphkóng prâyoŭchn aôy
Dál prâtés khmêr chéa môhanôkôr
May the Angels save our king
Granting him happiness and prosperity
We, his servants, wish to refuge under his completeness
Of sovereign's line, the ones being to build temples
Reigning over old Khmer's glorious land.
Temples of stone, hidden amid forests
Bethought of the mighty great kingdom triumphs
Khmer race stands tough and solid as eternal stone
We pray for the best upon Cambodia's destiny
A grand nation've ever occurred for.
Dharma risen, up from monasteries
Chant with joy, commemorate of Buddhism
Let us be faithful to our ancestors' belief
Assuredly, Angels will grant its bounty
Toward Khmer's, the grand nation.
Until the end of the French protectorate, a fourth verse praising the friendship between the Khmer and the French people was sung:[7]
In peace and in battle
Cambodia was the friend of France
The blood of their heroes was not shed in vain
Because a day will dawn that will see the triumph
As well as the union of all Khmers
^Hymnes et Pavillons d'Indochine (in French). Bibliothèque nationale de France, département Philosophie, histoire, sciences de l'homme, 4-LK10-918: Imprimerie d'Extrême Orient. 1941.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location (link)