Fighting Corona khmer style

Ting mong, is a name given to propped up human sized dolls armed with a broom, some wearing a helmet guarding or standing in a fighting position with a water gun or a wooden sword. Traditionally there is a belief that such figures, if put in front of the gate or the entrance to a home, would ward off ghost or evil spirit and also against viruses and illnesses. The reason is to trick the spirit or the virus into attacking these dolls instead of the home dwellers. Some villagers would even put ting mongs to fight malaria and dengue fever. 

During this corona pandemic, a drive from Siem reap city to Phnom Pehn is like driving through a toy store, where practically every house we went past by would be adorned by ting mongs in their most artistic poses and creative antiques. I have even heard some villagers saying that the reason why Cambodia's corona cases are low is because they are protected by ting mongs. Maybe we should, for the fun, have a ting mong in front of our houses to fight against corona. If it doesnt stop corona, at least we would have a good laugh. So covid 19, you better get ready for my ting mong. 

 How to make a ting mong 

1. long sleeve shirt preferred 

2. A pair of pants 

3. Any form of weapon: a toy gun,.broom, wooden sword- the more colourful the better 4. A head gear. 

Instruction: Stuff the t shirt and pants with hay or any other soft material to puff.up the body and the lower limb. Make the face of the ting mong be as awful scary as possible. Position the ting mong in front of your house premise with a fighting stance. Position the weapon to arm the ting mong with the right weapon and just wait for your ting mong to ward off those evil monsters. Do not make your ting mong too beautiful as the spirits might get attracted to it instead. Remember to give your ting mong a name. 

 Good luck and stay safe. 

Photos taken along the way to phnom Pehn.