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    12739 Knightsbridge Dr Woodbridge, VA 22192

    Ben Bao:      (571) 276-9630
    Sophia Tep:  (571) 422-7972
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Articles

Bonn Chrot Preah Nangkol

Cambodians are predominantly farmers, so this ritual is very popular as it is an agrarian festival in Cambodia. The ceremony is held in the third week of May, the beginning of rainy season when farmers get ready for the rice planting season.

The Royal Ploughing Ceremony is done according to Satra, a book of traditions, that Cambodian should consult before taking any action. It is solemnly celebrated at the beginning of the sowing and planting season to signify a deep connection with the earth and the farming. There is a deep astrological belief that the Royal Ox has an instrumental role in determining the fate of the agricultural harvest each year. The ceremony is also an occasion held to pray gods for good harvest.

The ceremony is rooted in Brahman's believe of a five-days feast. On the 1st day of the waning moon, the Brahmans conduct feasting at the five decorated canopies positioned at five compass points: East, Southeast, Southwest, Northwest, and Northeast. After the five days of the Brahman feast, the King initiates the ploughing to ensure success in farming for all his people.

The King assumes a role of Sdach Miech and the Queen assumes a role of Preah Mehour. If the King and Queen are not able to attend, a representative and his wife assume roles of Sdach Miech and Preah Mehour to do the duty. Sdech Miech sits on Preah Salieng and Preah Mehour sits on a hammock like litter.

In the ceremony, the King ploughs a field and the Queen sows seeds behind as pinpeat music is playing. Citizens are watching so anxiously to learn the outcome of the astrological harvest prediction.

Before plowing, Sdech Miech and Preah Mehour pay their respects at the decorated canopy located to the Southwest. The ceremony is based around three ploughs: the leading plough is called Nangkol Yong, the second one is ploughed by the king. Preah Mehour walks following the third plough, sowing the rice seeds carried by one of her aids. Pin Peat continues playing Bot Klom until the procession has been around the Royal rice-fields three times.

The ploughing stops at the decorated canopy located in the East and the king pays his respects again and then returns to his seat.

After plowing, a royal servant drives a two Royal Ox to holy trays that contains rice, corn, bean, sesame, grass, water and wine. The oxen are expected to consume those foods and beverages. At the same time, the royal soothsayers or a group of Brahmans make predictions using the holy cows. These predictions are based on what the holy cows eat.

If the oxen:

  1. drink water, it means there will be enough rain for rice planting;
  2. eat rice, it means a good harvest for farmers in the year ahead;
  3. eat soybeans, it means a bountiful harvest of soybeans;
  4. eat sesame, it means a bountiful harvest of sesame;
  5. eat corn, it means a bountiful harvest of corn;
  6. eat grass, it means disease will prevail over the nation;
  7. drink wine, it means the nation will suffer at the hands of gangsters, robbers, or drunkards.

Plough 1

Plough 1

Plough 1

Plough 1

Plough 1

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Plough 1

 

Sources:

  • http://www.asiarooms.com/en/travel-guide/cambodia/phnom-penh/sightseeing-in-phnom-penh/bonn-chroat-preah-nongkoal-in-phnom-penh.html
  • http://www.embassyofcambodia.org.nz/ploughingceremony.htm
  • Photo courtesy of http://www.frizz-restaurant.com/

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All donations are tax-deductible to the extent of the law. A financial statement is available upon written request from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer services, Office of Charitable and Regulatory Programs.

 

 

Communities

VOA News Coverage - CCD 2012 (click on pictures)

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Voice of America Interviewed Ms Sophia Tep, CCD Vice-President

Click the picture to read and play the video.


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