Cambodia & Culture: Profound meaning of logo for the Queen Mother Library

The Queen Mother Library combines two long-established Cambodian institutional entities: the Documentation Center of Cambodia and the Sleuk Rith Institute.

Logo for the Queen Mother Library

We are now engaged in integrating these two into one. We want to assure our loyal friends and supporters that the result will be a Cambodian national treasure. The Queen Mother Library will serve multiple functions:

• a memorial museum in honor of our Queen, her Royal Family, and the memory of the victims, both the living and the deceased, of the Khmer Rouge regime

• a global research-and-learning center on the human crimes of genocide and mass atrocities

• a digital historical archive that preserves the for future generations the original records of the heinous work of the regime

Once completed and open to the public, the Queen Mother Library will serve a variety of purposes for a diverse national and international clientele. The facility will host important international meetings and visits by representatives of governments, civil society, academics, and private sector officials. Its focus will range over a broad spectrum of topics and issues extending from national to global matters.

Among its most important clients will be survivors of the Khmer Rouge regime, many of whom endured insufferable harm, enslavement, degradation and disrespect while the regime was in power, many as children deprived for extended periods of their families, their education, and the freedom to thrive. We are committed to honoring their sacrifice and the trauma that adversely affected and continues to affect them.

Profound Meaning of Logo

Three Pieces of Mirrors

The “Three Pieces of Mirrors” is derived from Borei O Svay Memorial in Stung Treng province. It was constructed over four years from 1963 and 1967. Initiated by His Majesty the Late King Norodom Sihanouk, the Memorial both establishes and preserves Cambodia’s national sovereignty in our country’s northern region bordering Laos. The Memorial features the sculptured bust of His Majesty, the Late King, on all four quadrants of the compass, each illustrating examples of His Majesty’s primary royal activities. The memorial has an octagonal design. Regardless of which side one views, each will feature the two other side mirrors behind, symbolizing the three views that reflect the past, the present, and the future.

Sleuk Rith and Engraving Stylus

The Queen Mother Library will pay homage to two significant historical symbols of Cambodian culture: Sleuk Rith (dry leaf) or Vean represents the protector, while Engraving Stylus symbolizes the recorder. These two symbols must always complement each other. Sleuk Rith and Engraving Stylus are the two essential icons that symbolize recording and preserving our country’s heritage, culture, traditions and customs by passing them from one generation to another, commencing in ancient times and persisting through centuries.

The “Sleuk Rith (or Vean) and Engraving Stylus” are the symbolic representations of “intelligence and knowledge” that inform, equip, and guide each new generation of Cambodians to understand and to internalize the core elements of what it means to be Cambodian.

Kbach Angkor (Angkorian Architecture) – The Past

Angkorian architecture is a genre unique to Cambodia’s ancient temples and reflected in various architectural styles evolved by the Khmers during the Angkor period. All reflect the rich symbolism of the Hindu and Buddhist religions and mythology. They feature artistic depictions of divine and royal figures with facial features representative of the local Khmer population. In the image, the left side is associated with negativity, injustice, unfairness, and infidelity, reflecting a tragic past and the enduring memory of past hardships.

Kbach Pnhy Tes (Flowery Style) – The Future

Pnhy Tes is a kind of Kbach (style) inspired by natural forms. It gracefully curves and twists into various shapes representing stems, leaves, shoots, flowers, and fruits, resembling the natural world and representing beauty, prosperity, growth and development.

The right side is associated with positivity, justice, purity and fidelity. With Phny Tes on the right, the image signifies progress, prosperity, and a promising future for all Cambodians, bringing happiness and pride.

Champa Flower

Champa Flower is a beloved floral choice of Her Majesty the Queen Mother. It has always been placed in front of the portrait of the Late King Father. The meaning behind the placement of a single Champa Flower among a bouquet of roses serves as a timeless memory of His Majesty the Late King Father.

White Roses

The white rose is Her Majesty the Queen Mother’s favorite flower, symbolizing honesty, purity, innocence and revival. It represents the exquisite beauty and purity of unconditional love. It has been used to express loyalty, whether by a subordinate to a superior, a student to a teacher, or children to their parents.

Pin and Ribbon

Pin is an ornament placed on the left part, representing the heart of His Majesty the King’s shirt during major occasions. In this sense, the pin symbolizes the love, sympathy and mercy of His Majesty the King, acting as the cool shades to all Cambodians. The ribbon, encircling the three mirrors, symbolizes the love and respect Cambodians from all walks of life perpetually offer to His Majesty the King: a tribute to the past, present, and future.

Carpet The carpet symbolizes the elevated status, renown, and excellence Cambodia presents to the world.