For the Khmer, jaggery is not a purely plant species but a special, highly symbolic tree. Therefore, it is not surprising that jaggery is always present and is an integral part of Khmer life.
Jaggery is a plant native to Africa, woody, tall, strong, easy to grow and live for a long time. In terms of economic value, this tree does not give high efficiency, far behind coconut trees. However, in terms of symbolism, the cultural meaning of jaggery is superior to other plants. In the "pagoda country" (Kingdom of Cambodia), along with the temples of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, the palm tree is also considered one of the symbols of the nation. 

Particularly in our country, it is unclear when this tree ever existed, but in the eyes of Vietnamese people, palm tree has always been considered a cultural symbol associated with the Khmer. Currently, jaggery is most abundant in the Bay Nui region (That Son), belonging to two districts of Tinh Bien and Tri Ton - An Giang province. And if you travel throughout the Mekong Delta - especially those along the southwest border like Long An, Dong Thap, An Giang, Kien Giang - where there are Khmer people, there will be palm trees and vice versa. It can be said that such existence seems to be indispensable, it is a special attachment with special similarities. Because in many respects, the palm tree represents not only the soul and personality of the Khmer people, but it also represents their culture. However,

It can be said that in daily life, the Khmer have never separated from the palm tree. From it, people can make many unique products such as jaggery, jaggery tea, jaggery chopsticks, jaggery fans, even processing jaggery beer, etc. This contributes to a significant improvement in the life of a part of the Khmer. Thus, right from the beginning, it has come into their lives, sticking and creating a certain influence. Over time, that influence grew and turned it into a symbolic tree. That means that its economic role is getting smaller, but instead is a more significant one - culturally important.

When it comes to cultural responsibility, the first factor we mention is the territorial role. As mentioned above, jaggery is a strong, easy-to-grow and long-lived tree so it is very suitable for demarcation of territory, that is to mark that land as belonging to the Khmer. They are planted in long lines, sometimes as much as a forest, cuddling and enveloping the Khmer inside. In fact, this is just an imaginary boundary and is understood by everyone. In fact, this role of palm tree today is very faint. Simply because the Khmer people have completely integrated with the ethnic groups, is an inseparable part of the Vietnamese nation. All now live together in harmony and build a rich and beautiful Vietnam. So there will be no more barriers, even though it is only invisible. Therefore, The appearance of the current palm tree is only considered a sign to identify the place where Khmer people live. And the fact that they grow it is also simple because it is their cultural root.

Besides the above meaning, the palm tree is also considered a symbol of the patience and hard work of the Khmer. If closely observed, the Khmer in our country often live in clusters of high land (upland), arid and less fertile. However, even though they have to work all year round on sun-burning fields and crop failures, they are still satisfied with their lives. Throughout their lives, they are still diligent in what nature offers, accepting to improve it to make life better. Meanwhile, despite the arid land, harsh climate, but palm trees still rise themselves into the air, confronting the sun and the wind. However, in spite of the change of things, the palm tree remains faithful to the land in which it lives, still bears fruit, and protects and attaches itself to the Khmer from one generation to the next. So, The common point here is that both have the ability to adapt to unfavorable living environment, ready to cope with difficulties to survive and develop. It is a very precious quality that anyone must respect and respect.

Not only that, if someone has ever seen the palm tree will realize that, although the appearance is not beautiful (the skin is rough and rough, it is darkened by the sun, the leaves are neither long nor curved, the fruit is small) special black) but it's a very rustic, lovely beauty. Obviously, the palm tree is not as colorful as rhododendron, not as pure as pine, not as luxurious as pine, nor as gentle as willow, but still receives respect. of everybody. This reminds us of the honest, simple but extremely friendly Khmer images. The Khmer people do not pay much attention to appearance, their beauty is often revealed from within. They talked as openly, sincerely and warmly. They help people like themselves, not bothered to lose. In general, from words, words, dress, behavior, ... they all exuded a strange simplicity, unexpected simplicity. To them, a simple form, a pure soul is the core of every human being.

From the above factors, we see the palm tree has a very special position for the Khmer. Of course, what is mentioned is still preliminary sketches, but actually the role and meaning of palm tree in Khmer life is much bigger. Objectively speaking, it is an image that seems to have condensed the most essential features of a nation's culture. And through that, we can understand more about people, their customs, ... in general, Khmer culture. I believe that, no matter what, jaggery will be a cultural symbol, will always exist in every Khmer memory and forever in the heart of the Khmer people.