|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By
: Khim Veayo. |
Although
there are various other scientific methods to forecast
the weather and to determine harvests, Cambodians
have their methods to foretell the future. Through
traditional rituals that are often ceremoniously
observed and seriously celebrated nationwide,
Cambodians are warned of calamities, assured of
good harvest and so forth.
The Royal Ploughing Ceremony, or Pithi Chrat Preah
Neanng Korl in Khmer, and the Festival of Water
and Full Moon Salutation, known as Pithi Bonn Om
Touk and Ak Ambok- Sampeah Preah Kher in |
|
|
|
|
Khmer, are such
ceremonies. Predictions gleaned from these traditional
ceremonies for the coming year are taken very seriously.
The Festival of Water and Full Moon Salutation is celebrated
usually in late October. Drippings from burning candles
predict rainfall distribution to provinces across the
country. The Royal Ploughing Ceremony predicts the weather,
epidemics and farming conditions. By observing what feed
the royal oxen choose after the Royal Ploughing Ceremony,
Cambodians believe they can predict a range of events
including epidemics, floods, good harvests and excessive
rainfall.
This year, the Royal Ploughing Ceremony was held on May
11 at the Veal Preahmein Square, situated across the road
from the northern perimeter of the Royal Palace. |
|
At the end
of a symbolic ploughing procession before His Majesty
King Norodom Sihanouk, the royal oxen were relieved
of their harnesses and led to seven golden trays
containing rice, corn, sesame seeds, beans, grass,
water and wine to feed. The royal oxen chose to
eat out of only three trays this year and because
their feast consisted of varying percentages of
rice and corn while they largely ignored the trays
of sesame seeds, grass, water and wine, prognostications
were as follows: Farmers would enjoy a moderate
output for their rice harvest but good yields in
secondary crop production, especially corn and beans.
Because the royal oxen only sniffed on the tray
of water and turned away from the wine, the prediction
was made that farmers would not suffer any serious
floods.
Every year, Cambodian farmers anxiously await the
predictions at the end of this ritualistic ceremony,
which they observe with strong faith and belief.
Most Cambodians today still consult traditional
manuals before making any major decisions regarding
business matters or meeting important persons, etc.
The Royal Ploughing Ceremony has been observed for
many centuries at the initiative of an earlier Khmer
king who had paid great attention to farming conditions
of the people. Traditionally, the Pithi Chrat Preah
Neanng Korl is performed in the month of Pisak (May),
which is actually the sixth month of the Khmer calendar
and marks the beginning of the rainy season in Cambodia.
|
| |
 |
|
Oxen at the Royal Ploughing
Ceremony. Insert: The oxen graze on the
seven items. Their choices predict the crop
and
the weather for the coming year.
|
| |
|
|
|
| When asked, most
Cambodians stand staunchly by these traditional methods
of predicting the future and vouch for their accuracy.
It is comforting to believe that the angels are still
watching over us. As they say in Cambodia, long live the
Khmer traditions. Long Live Cambodia. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Previous
Article |
Next Article
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Suite
B8, Regency Square, InterContinental Hotel, 294 Mao Tse Toung
Boulevard,
Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia.
Tel: (855) 23 213 133 Fax: (855) 23 213 033
E-mail:
editor@leisurecambodia.com |
|
|
|
|
|
Read
Leisure By :
