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Sacred oxen: Forget drought, there's plentiful water
A prosperous economy, plentiful water and abundant food were predicted by two sacred oxen, Phoem and Phoon, during this year's Royal Ploughing Ceremony at Sanam Luang on Monday morning.
His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, on behalf of His Majesty the King, presided over the ceremony.
Four consecrated women in the procession carrying gold and silver baskets filled with rice seeds scattered them into the fresh furrows. Walking alongside the plough were official Brahmans from the Royal Court who chanted and blew conch shells.
Phoem and Phoon were offered seven bowls containing grass, paddy, maize, sesame seeds, soy bean, water and liquor. The oxen ate paddy and maize, leading to the prediction that there will be plenty of food and sufficient water for agriculture; that communication and foreign trade will improve, leading to a prosperous economy.
Right after the ceremony, a large number of spectators rushed to collect rice seeds scattered on the field. The ceremonial grains are considered an auspicious start to the rice planting season.
Last year, the sacred oxen ate grass, predicting that the country will have plentiful water, abundant food production and a good harvest.