Two well cared for oxen
of the same color pull an ancient plow, breaking the ground so that
sacred seeds may be planted. (File photo)
The annual Royal Plowing Ceremony at Sanam Luang near
the Grand Palace in Bangkok, and the accompanying Cultivation Ceremony
held at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha the day before, are of great
significance in Thailand. This year the ceremonies are taking place on
May 8 and 9.
During the ceremonies, appropriate strains of different grains for
cultivating crops are selected just prior to the planting season, and
rituals are performed to interpret the year’s harvest. Grain selection
is an important consideration when planting crops, as the crops rely on
soil, ample rainfall and other natural factors.
The Cultivation Ceremony is also performed to help keep the different
grains free from disease, producing a bountiful harvest.
Their Majesties the King and Queen, or, more recently, Crown Prince Maha
Vajiralongkorn, usually preside over the Cultivation Ceremony held at
the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
The Royal Plowing Ceremony signals the beginning of the planting season
in Thailand. Two well cared for oxen of the same color pull an ancient
plow, breaking the ground so that sacred seeds may be planted. Two other
oxen wait in reserve.
Two Brahman priests sprinkling sacred water along the path lead the
royal procession, with its nine-tiered royal umbrella.
Two pairs of female guardians carry grain in one gold and one silver
container following behind the plow, seeding the tilled ground.
Three circuits tilling the earth around Sanam Luang are completed and at
the end the oxen are offered eight types of foods to select from: rice
grain, corn, peas, sesame, liqueur, water and grass. Brahman priests
then interpret their selection.
Following the ceremony, many people collect the seeds from the ground to
keep as sacred objects promising a prosperous year, while others sow the
ceremonial seeds mixed in with other seeds to sanctify the season’s
crop.
The day is celebrated as a national holiday, and as such all government
offices and commercial banks will close for the day. ATMs and most
currency exchange booths, however, will remain open.
