La Femme et l'Oiseau (Women and Birds)

This essay on bird cultural representations and their correlation with feminity explores numerous cultures through Southeast Asia.

Regarding Cambodia, the author stresses the centrality of three bird-like mythical figures in Khmer folklore and traditions: hângsa (from Sanskrit hamsa), wild goose often assimilated to the swan, kinari, the bird-woman so important in the Reamker, and khrut, the Khmer version of the garuda, often associated with drought. 

As a symbol of aesthetical perfection — ​“an embodiment of grace, frailty and strength” –, the bird often meets with the female principle, a promise of a new life to be born. Icarus and fertility, an truly encompassing concept…