Ceremony predicts abundant food
Published: 13/05/2010 at 09:41 AM
Online news: Local News
An abundance of food, a limited supply of water, a plentiful rice harvest in lowland areas but poor rice yields in highland areas have been predicted for the coming year by traditional soothsayers after the Royal Ploughing Ceremony on Thursday morning.
The annual ceremony marks the beginning of the planting season. Traditionally the King or a member of the royal family presides over the event.
This year HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn presided over the ceremony, accompanied by HRH Princess Srirasmi, his Royal Consort.
They watched two white sacred oxen, taken to plough the ceremonial ground at Sanam Luang, being offered seven bowls containing separate items of food and drink. The animals' choices are used to make the predictions.
The oxen this morning chose grass, which soothsayers agreed was a sign of a normal water supply and a fertile rice crop ahead.
Agriculture permanent secretary Yukol Limlaemthong, who served in the Brahman ceremony as the Lord of the Plough, known as Phraya Raekna, was asked to choose one of three pieces of folded cloth of different lengths.
Mr Yukol chose the one of maximum length. Based on his selection, a small water supply and plentiful rice yields in lowland areas, but poor rice yields in highland areas were predicted.
The annual ceremony has been performed in Thailand since the Sukhothai period, about 700 years ago.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva also attended the ceremony
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