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EveryParampara

Sampeah

The Cambodian greeting with palms together, raised higher for those of higher rank.

A pattern drawn for this page, not a picture of Sampeah.

Also: sampeah greeting

Sampeah is the Cambodian form of greeting and thanks, made by pressing the palms together and bowing, with the height of the hands showing respect: at chest level for a peer, at the nose for an elder and at the forehead for a monk or the king. It is accompanied by a spoken greeting. It is part of the dance grammar of the Khmer classical ballet, whose movements begin with the same gesture. In Laos it is called nop, and in Myanmar a similar custom exists. Using it correctly is a mark of manners and is greatly appreciated.

Region: Southeast Asia

See also

WaiNamaste

Find traditions that mention Sampeah

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