According to Khmer tradition, each day of the week is associated with a certain color. And that color is linked to a certain divinity that is venerated on that day. People are advised to dress each day according to the color of the presiding divinity to bring health, prosperity, and happiness to their lives. In the olden days, most women, especially aristocratic women, would dress accordingly every day.
There are several poems written about this over the centuries, and the oldest one goes as follows
Red is for Sunday,
Monday is orange that looks truly like the Moon,
Purple is reserved for Tuesday,
Wednesday is the beautiful green of the liep plant.
Thursday is the yellowish green of the young banana palm,
Happy Friday is blue, and must be neat and tidy,
Saturday is the color of ripe pring,
As passed down by the ancients.
So blue reigns supreme today. Blue is the color of the vicious and wrathful Durga (another form of the Mother Goddess Shakti). The goddess’ fury and rage are aimed only at evil and demonic forces in order to liberate the oppressed and to ensure the power of creation. Durga is also known as the one who destroys all distress. In Khmer culture, her day is referred to as happy Friday (sok sabay). And to honor her, we are advised to dress smartly and to dress well. If you are planning to move into a new home, Friday is the day to do so.
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