Thailand Celebrates Rice-Planting Tradition
BANGKOK — On Friday, Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn led the annual Royal Ploughing Ceremony, marking the beginning of the rice-planting season and honoring the hard work of the nation’s farmers.
This traditional event aims to predict the farming conditions for the upcoming year. Despite some economic struggles, the ceremony indicated a hopeful outlook for agriculture.
The King and Queen Suthida sheltered beneath ornate umbrellas during the ceremony, held at Sanam Luang, a significant field near the Grand Palace in Bangkok. This time-honored ritual has deep historical roots, dating back nearly 700 years, and highlights the vital role of rice in Thai culture and the economy.
The ceremony featured the highest-ranking official from the Agriculture Ministry, dressed in traditional attire, who acted as the Lord of the Ploughing Ceremony. His selection from a variety of cloths suggested a sign of favorable rain and a bountiful harvest.
During the event’s second phase, he anointed two sacred oxen, which then plowed the field while he scattered seeds in front of a procession of traditionally dressed participants.
The oxen, named "Por" and "Piang," which together mean “sufficiency,” were presented with various foods by Brahmin priests. The items they chose, including water, grass, and liquor, symbolized ample water, plentiful food, and favorable trade conditions, respectively.
As the royal couple departed, attendees rushed to the field to collect scattered seeds, either as keepsakes or to add to their rice supplies at home, continuing the spirit of this cherished tradition.
