Royal Ploughing Ceremony 2026: Meaning Behind the Seven Offerings to the Sacred Ox and Their Predictions

Explaining the meaning derived from "divination and prophecy" of the offerings to the "Sacred Ox" the seven offerings in the Royal Ploughing Ceremony and the Royal First Plowing Ritual

The Royal Ploughing Ceremony and the Royal First Plowing Ritual are important traditional Thai royal ceremonies held since ancient times and continue to be observed today to uplift the spirit and morale of farmers, ensuring confidence that crops will grow abundantly and prosper, bringing auspiciousness.

This year, 2026, the Bureau of the Royal Household has set the dates for the Royal Ploughing Ceremony and the Royal First Plowing Ritual. Tuesday, 12 May 2026, will be the day for Buddhist prayers marking the start of the Royal Ploughing Ceremony held at the Ubosot of Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram in the Grand Palace. Wednesday, 13 May 2026, will be the day of the Royal First Plowing Ritual (the sowing day), a Brahmin ceremony conducted at the ceremonial ground in Sanam Luang.

The Royal Ploughman role will be performed by Mr. Winarot Supsongsuk, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. The accompanying goddesses carrying the baskets include the Golden Basket Goddesses: Ms. Chantisa Arisevat, Senior Veterinary Officer from the Office of Agricultural Product Standards, and Ms. Apichaya Fuseang, Operational Auditor from the Cooperative Auditing Department; and the Silver Basket Goddesses: Ms. Pornjira Jancharoen, Senior Agricultural Promotion Officer from the Department of Agricultural Extension, and Ms. Saranya Thongkam, Agricultural Promotion Officer from the same department.

Divination involving the cloth for the Royal Ploughman's attire

The attire consists of three patterned cloths—four, five, and six cubits long—laid on a tray covered with cloth. The Royal Ploughman makes a solemn vow and picks one cloth at random. Whichever cloth is chosen, he will wear it as an additional layer over his original garment to prepare for the plowing. Each cloth length has a specific prophecy:

• If the four-cubit cloth is chosen: It predicts somewhat abundant water; crops in higher fields will yield well, but those in lowlands may suffer some damage and underperform.
• If the five-cubit cloth is chosen: It predicts a moderate amount of water this year; rice seedlings will thrive and yields of crops and livestock will be abundant.
• If the six-cubit cloth is chosen: It predicts less water; crops in lowlands will do well, but those in higher fields may suffer some damage and yield less.

Divination involving the seven offerings for the sacred ox

The seven offerings presented to the sacred ox are rice, corn, mung beans, sesame, liquor, water, and grass. The ox’s choice of which to eat carries specific predictions:

• If the ox eats rice or corn: It predicts that grains and crops will be plentiful.
• If the ox eats mung beans or sesame: It predicts that crops and food supplies will be abundant.
• If the ox drinks water or eats grass: It predicts sufficient water supply, with grains, crops, food, and livestock all abundant.
• If the ox drinks liquor: It predicts improved transportation and better trade with foreign countries, leading to economic prosperity.

Information courtesy of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives