The event took place at 8:00 this morning and was eagerly watched by an estimated 1000 enthusiastic locals. The combination of the bright colours, jovial spectators and this writer's drunkenness all combined to make a wonderful atmosphere. This year King Norodom Sihamoni graced the onlookers with his presence, as he elegantly presided over matters.

The event started with Brahmin priests praying for a good harvest and calling on the Gods for protection. Next, the King's representatives hitched six strong-looking oxen to three separate ploughs and led them around the Royal Field. As the colourful procession slowly plodded forwards, symbolic furrows were turned over and seeds were sowed. After three laps of the sacred field, two of the regal cattle were relieved of their harnesses and led towards the centre of the square. Here seven silver dishes containing fresh grass, wine, water, corn, rice, beans and sesame seeds awaited the beasts.

The crowd anxiously watched as the two cows weighed up their breakfast options. Based on their choices, a prediction would later be made about the coming year's harvest. The method by which accurate forecasts can be made is relatively simplistic. If the royal oxen feed on the rice, corn, sesame seeds or beans, then the harvest for the chosen crops will be bountiful. If the beasts drink water, then rain will be abundant. However, if grass is selected by the cows, then sickness and disease will result. Finally, a year of crime, violence, war and misery will follow the lapping up of any of the drunk-inducing rice whiskey.

To everyone's relief, the cows feasted on the corn, virtually eating the plate's entire contents. They then turned their attentions to the beans and rice. After nibbling a little of each, they became disinterested and walked away to join their four other bovine companions.

To conclude proceedings, the palace foretellers then announced their predictions. As expected, this years corn yields would be very good, while both the bean and rice harvests would be healthy.

Although today's announcement is unlikely to influence Wall Street corn stocks, it will no doubt have delighted rural farmers throughout this agriculturally-dependant nation. This year will bring bumper harvests, record profits and infinite carefree, happy days. I, for one, will keep both my fingers and toes crossed. After all, it's about time Cambodia's long suffering farmers got a lucky break.

Happy Royal Ploughing Day!

If you like Conor's work and would like to see more, please feel free to browse his entire photography and story portfolio.

www.conorwallphoto.com

May 23, 2008

2 Comment(s)

	speakenglishidiot May 23, 2008 - 05:42 pm
	WASTE deep? haaaa learn to spell, whitey
	Mongkol May 24, 2008 - 09:52 pm
	It was King Sihamoni who presided over the ceremony. King Sihanouk is currently residing in Siem Reap. Also, he's not a king anymore.

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