Starting with the Amok, the Cambodian delicacy, the dance, music, lifestyle and all other aspects of Cambodian life have deep cultural roots. The country’s strong and varied cultural inheritance dates back to many centuries and a major part of it is guided by religious principles, inspired from Hinduism and Buddhism.
Hinduism was embraced in the first centuries and then Buddhism spread in the later years of the Khmer Empire. Brahmanistic practices are a part of the Khmer culture and are now deeply intermingled with the practice of Buddhism, so much so that they are not considered as separate religions. Brahmanist and spirit practices are localized and Buddhism is a national tradition.
In Khmer culture, etiquette is very important. People of different ranks are addressed differently, with the linguistic systems becoming complex when addressing monks or royalty. Rank is taken into consideration even the way people are greeted by the way the palms are raised together and the degree of the elevation of hands. The way they dress is dependent on their social stature and financial status of the person. It is a patriarchal society with the father heading the family, and is respected as such.