The Khmer Calendar of 1987: A Cultural and Historical Journey
1987 was the Year of the Rabbit ( Chonam Thos ). In Khmer culture, the Rabbit is traditionally associated with cleverness, gentleness, and peace.
Good news for all collectors. The 2026 calendar is identical to the 1987 calendar (same weekday pattern and no leap year). 1987 - When Can I Reuse This Calendar? khmer calendar 1987
To keep the lunar months aligned with solar seasons, the calendar adds an extra 30-day leap month (called Adhikameas ) or an extra day ( Chantrameas ) at specific intervals determined by astronomical calculations. The Khmer Eras: Calculating 1987
The reflects a significant period in Cambodian history, following the fall of the Khmer Rouge and during the People's Republic of Kampuchea (PRK) era . 📅 Calendar Structure & Reuse The Khmer Calendar of 1987: A Cultural and
During the early and mid-1980s, the government slowly permitted the revival of traditional Khmer customs, Buddhism, and holidays, which had been completely banned under the Khmer Rouge. By 1987, the celebration of the traditional Khmer New Year and ancestral festivals like Pchum Ben (Ancestors' Day) were vital tools for restoring community bonds and healing national trauma. Documenting the Days
| Khmer Month | Gregorian Approx. | Days | Notable Event | |-------------|------------------|------|----------------| | | Jan 1987 | 29 | Cool season continues | | Phalkun | Feb–Mar 1987 | 30 | Meak Bochea (Feb 12) | | Chét | Mar–Apr 1987 | 29 | End of hot dry season | | Visak | Apr–May 1987 | 30 | Khmer New Year (Apr 13-15) ; Visak Bochea | | Cheas | May–Jun 1987 | 29 | Beginning of rainy season | | Ashad | Jun–Jul 1987 | 30 | | | Sadrapet | Jul–Aug 1987 | 29 | Start of Buddhist Lent (July 11) | | Photrabot | Aug–Sep 1987 | 30 | | | Asoch | Sep–Oct 1987 | 29 | End of Lent (Oct 7) | | Katdok | Oct–Nov 1987 | 30 | Water Festival (late Oct/early Nov) | | Mikkeir | Nov–Dec 1987 | 29 | | | Pirrmeak | Dec 1987 | 30 | End of Gregorian year | The 2026 calendar is identical to the 1987
Today, looking back at the Khmer calendar of 1987 provides historians, astrologers, and cultural enthusiasts with a snapshot of resilience. It highlights a period when Cambodia was actively rebuilding its identity, relying on ancient cosmic cycles to find a sense of normalcy and continuity after years of devastation.
For most Cambodians in 1987, the Gregorian calendar was used for government business, school terms, and Vietnamese-imposed administrative dates. The Khmer calendar governed:
| Gregorian Year | Khmer Year (after April) | Buddhist Era | Zodiac | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 1987 (Jan 1 – Apr 13) | 2529 | 2530 (partial) | Tiger | | 1987 (Apr 14 – Dec 31) | 2530 | 2531 (from Jan 1988) | Rabbit |
The Day of Giving, where people give gifts to elders and donate to the poor.