Tag Archives: Royal Ploughing Ceremony

Royal Ploughing Ceremony – For a Bountiful Harvest

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Rice constitutes a staple in most South Asian countries and while in nations such as Thailand, rice is only a component of a meal, in countries such as India and Sri Lanka, rice tends to be the primary focus of any meal and all other curries are considered subsidiary or complementary. Given the radical importance placed by most South Asian and South East Asian countries on this type of grain, it is no surprise that a number of traditional ceremonies conducted throughout centuries tend to focus on the ploughing season. Most such nations place a great degree of importance on celebrating the beginning of the season, the reaping of the grain and often, communities pledge the first meal made from rice, to the gods or other deities they may revere.

Conducted in countries such as Cambodia and Thailand, the Royal Ploughing Ceremony traditionally signalled the commencement of the rice growing season. This ceremony was also known as Lehtun Mingala and Mingala Ledaw and was conducted in countries such as Burma until the monarchy was abolished. In 2013, the Royal Ploughing Ceremony in Thailand was conducted under the patronage of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn and in the presence of the Prime Minister, soothsayers, farmers and locals.

The ceremony includes two oxen who plough a furrow in the ground which is followed by the scattering of rice seeds into the ploughed field. As this ritual was taking place, officials from the Royal Court walk alongside the field blowing conch shells and chanting in the belief that the next harvest will be bountiful.

In appreciation of their service, the oxen are given seven bowls containing a variety of items such as water, liquor, grass, maize, soy bean and sesame seeds and depending on what they eat, the official Royal Brahmins can predict whether the harvest is to be bountiful or not.

Thus for tourists staying in Bangkok serviced apartments during the month of May, the Royal Ploughing Ceremony might be a worthwhile event to attend. After all, travelling should include a pleasant insight into the lives of the locals. For those searching for a serviced apartment in Bangkok to reside in during the course of their stay, Ascott Sathorn Bangkok is an ideal option.

 

Nigel Walters is a travel writer, who writes under the pen name, Fritzjames Stephen. His content is based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travelers across all walks of life.

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Royal Ploughing Ceremony – A grand affair

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Marking the traditional beginning of the rice growing season, the Royal Ploughing Ceremony also known as Lehtun Mingala or the Mingala Ledaw is a grand affair indeed. Accommodation Bangkok would not be much of a hassle during this season as Somerset Sukhumvit Thonglor Bangkok conveniently located amidst all the acitivity harbours some of the most sought after Sukhumvit apartments located within the city. The festival is celebrated in both Cambia and Thailand and traditionally takes place at the beginning of the Buddhist lent in the Burmese month of Waso which usually falls on the 11th of May. On the day of t6he ceremony, two sacred oxen are tied to a wooden plough after which they are made to plough on a ceremonial ground. After the ploughing, rice seeds are being sown on the ploughed land by court Brahmins and the oxen that ploughed are offered grand feasts of various cereals, grass and rice whiskey.

 

Royal Ploughing Ceremony – A taste of culture

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The Royal Ploughing ceremony marks the beginning of the rice-growing season and is a traditional festival celebrated in great fanfare and ardour. In order to fully soak in the ambiance of this charming event, visitors usually choose a Sukhumvit hotel to lodge in during their stay. A popular Bangkok hotel that is chosen by many is Grand Millennium Sukhumvit Bangkok which known for the comforts as well as the true Asian experience that it imparts of each one of its guests.

The date of this festival depends on astrological calculations and usually takes place in the months of May, June or July celebrating the beginning of the Buddhist lent in the Burmese month of Waso. During the festival sacred oxen are tied to a wooden plough and they are led to plough a furrow in a ceremonial ground after which the oxen given plates of food to eat. Predictions are made depending on what the oxen eat and celebrations soon ensue with lots of food, music and dancing.

Royal Ploughing Ceremony: An Ancient Rite Continued

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Historically, the economies of most Asian countries depended greatly on agriculture and as a result, even in modern times the harvesting season is given great importance and prominence in their calendars as they practice rites and rituals that have stood the test of time hoping that they will make the oncoming harvest a fruitful one.

The Royal Ploughing Ceremony which is still carried out in Thailand is one such example. This ceremony is presently carried out in Thailand and Cambodia but is no longer practiced in Burma subsequent to the abolishment of the Burmese monarchy. In modern day Thailand, the ceremony usually takes place during the month of May as determined by astrology.

The ceremony is made up of a number of rituals that are of intrinsic interest. The seeds of rice are sown while oxen are used to plough the field. Subsequently, depending on what the oxen devour out of an array of food including beans, grass, water, rice and corn, the astrologers are said to predict the fruitfulness or futility of the oncoming harvest. The Thai tradition began during the Sukhothai Kingdom in the 13th century and an illustration of the even was depicted on their currency in the 20th century.

In modern times, the Crown Prince of Thailand, Maha Vajiralongkom presides over the Royal Ploughing Ceremony when it is held at Sanam Luang in the capital of Thailand. The rice seed that is sown in the fields is obtained from the grounds of King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s Chitralada Palace grounds and subsequent to the sowing process, spectators gather the seed for it is said to be auspicious.

The Ceremony is truly a sight to behold as the Thai celebrate their deep rooted beliefs and cultural heritage and herald the new harvest in the hope that it is bountiful. If you are residing in a Bangkok hotel during the month of May, this event is one that you should attend if you wish to gain a spectacular insight into the culture of the Siamese people. Combine this insight into the local culture with the classic charm and contemporary elegance of Anantara Bangkok Sathorn, an urban sanctuary and one of the premier hotels Bangkok located just moments away from the heart of the city.